Full text of "A Book of public prayer"

See other formats

L.IBRARY

OF THE

University of California.

Mrs. SARAH P. WALSWORTH.

Received October, 1894.
Accessions No. S^S^/S^, Class No.

Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive

in 2007 with funding from

IVIicrosoft Corporation

littp://www.arcliive.org/details/bookofpublicprayOOpresricli

' BOOK OF PUBLIC PRAYER,

COMPILED FEOM THE

AUTHORIZED FORMULARIES OF WORSHIP

PKESBYTEKIAN CHURCH,

AS PREPARED BY THE REFORMER

CALVm, OCX, BUCER. AND OTHERS.

WITH SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS.

nSITBIlSITT

ORK

PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER,

3T7 & 3T9 BROADWAY.

1857.

J to Act of Congress,

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by

CHARLES SCRIBNER,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern
District of New York.

8TBRE0TTPED BY PRINTED BY

THOMAa B. SUITH, B. Cbaighbad,

IkU Beekman Street. 53 Yesey St.

jl^

CONTENTS

*-*-¥

* PAOK

Introduction ix.

A Table of Portions op Holt Scripture 25

The Order of Divine Service on the Lord's Day 2*1

Morning Service 29

Other Forms for the Morning Service 43

Evening Service 64

Other Forms for the Evening Service 13

The Manner of Celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's

Supper 8t

Other Forms for the Celebration of the same 105

The Form of Administering the Sacrament of Baptism. 129

Other Forms of Administering the same 141

The Form of Administering the Sacrament of Baptism to

Adult Persons 160

The Form for the Admission of Baptized Persons to the Table

of the Lord 164

Occasional Offices 173

The Order of Service for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and
Prayer 175

♦ • --i^

iv Contents.

PAOB

The Order of Service for a Day of Public Thanksgiving 184

The Office for the Confirmation of Marrriage 191

The Burial of the Dead 19*7

Public Discipline, Ordinatiok, etc 215

The Form of Public Excommunication 21*7

The Form of Public Repentance 221

The Form for Ordaining Elders and Deacons 225

The Form for Ordaining Ministers of the "Word of God 234

The Form for the Installation of a Pastor 248

The Office for the Dedication of a Church 253

Scriptural and other Occasional Praters 259

Scriptural Prayers 261

A Comprehensive Prayer, chiefly in the Words of Scripture. 218

Sundry Occasional Prayers 295

The Morning Prayer 295

The Evening Prayer. 297

A Short Prayer for all Men 298

A Prayer for Pardon and Help 299

A Prayer in Time of Discord 300

A Prayer at the Opening of a Church Court 301

A Prayer for Sick Persons 302

The same 303

For a Sick Child 305

For a Person under Affliction 306

For Rain 306

For Fair Weather 307

For Peace ,, 308

In Time of Pestilence 308

For the Absent from Home 309

A Thanksgiving for Ram 309

A Thanksgiving for Fair Weather 310

^^ Contents. v

PAGB

A Thanksgiving for Harvest 310

A Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Pestilence 311

A Thanksgiving for a Safe Return Home 312

A Prayer to be used at Sea 312

A Prayer for the President of the United States, and all in

Civil Authority 314

The Collects 315

Appendix — ^Notes 349

npHE chief purposes contemplated in the present publica-
tion, are briefly as follows :

1. To furnish Ministers of the Gospel, and those who,
in Theological Seminaries, are preparing for the Ministry,
with models of Public Devotion, approved and recom-
mended by the Church, that may facilitate that study of
" the best writers on the subject," which is enjoined by the
Directory of Worship, upon all who lead in the public
oflSces of religion.

2. To provide laymen, who, in remote and destitute
settlements, may be called upon, in the absence of Minis-
ters, to conduct religious exercises, with such aids as they
naturally require.

3. To supply a deficiency long felt and frequently ac-
knowledged, in the case of Chaplains in the Army and
Navy, and persons officiating from time to time on board
the vessels of our merchant service ; many of whom, for
want of such assistance as this volume is designed to
afford, have been led to adopt forms of worship peculiar
to other denominations.

viii Advertisement.

4. It is also believed, that the wide circulation of such
a Book of Public Devotions, among the laity of the Church,
would tend to promote a deeper interest in the services of
the Sanctuary, and a more correct appreciation of the
dignity and value of the ministrations of God's House,
than at present prevail.

On the other hand, it need scarcely be added, that no
thought is entertained of seeking for this or any other
Form of Worship an adoption by ecclesiastical courts, that
would impose it upon the churches for compulsory ob-
servance. The authorship of these forms, and the frequent
sanction bestowed upon them in former times by the
Church, sufficiently authorize that free consultation and
voluntary use, which are all that is expected or desired in
their behalf.

^'.4:

/^:^"

INTRODUCTION.

rriHE Churclies of the Reformed or Presbyterian family,
while giving less prominence to the subject of ritual-
ism than some other Protestant denominations, have never
been justly open to the charge of neglecting the decency
and order of God's House. In their Liturgies, and Di-
rectories of Worship, they have at all times made full
provision for the due performance of public religious
rites. It is true that the formularies prepared with this
view, have constituted a class by themselves, with char-
acteristics entirely their own. On this account, they have
been generally overlooked by those who have searched
for any thing like the ancient and prescriptive rituals
that exist in the prelatic Churches.

The peculiarities that so distinguish the Presbyterian
Liturgies, relate to their structure, derivation, and mode
of observance. The rituals of the Lutheran and Ang-
lican Churches consist of materials that claim a remote
antiquity, having been handed down through Roman
and Oriental channels, from a period prior to the Ref-
ormation. But the Reformed worship, in connection
with that doctrinal system to which it is allied, is con-

1* ^

X Introduction.

structed upon elements purely Scriptural ; and so far as
it is of human composition, asserts for itself no authorship
more ancient than that of the Divines of the Sixteenth Cen-
tury. The former, to some extent, follow the complicated
and involved aiTangement of the medijeval type ; while
the latter is distinguished by a natural and logical
order, and extreme simplicity of style. And lastly, these
forms of service differ from such as are more ceremonial
and more ancient, by the fact that they are not set
forth for constant repetition; but leave to the oflBciating
minister a wide freedom of omission or interpolation,
according to the exigencies of the occasion; and bind
him only to a general conformity with the method laid
down.

That these peculiarities characterize, almost without
exception, the numerous formularies of worship existing
in the vai-ious branches of the Presbyterian Church,
would be unaccountable but for the fact of their com-
mon origin. The master-mind to whom that Church is
indebted for the new statement of her apostolic discip-
line and doctrine, elaborated also a pattern of public
prayer for the celebration of ecclesiastical ordinances,
closely framed upon the teachings of that Divine Rule,
whence he derived every other part of the grand
system to which his name has been affixed. The Di-
vines of other Reformed countries appear, without ma-
terial deviation, to have copied the forms of worship
established at Geneva by Calvin.

The Reformed worship was inaugurated at Geneva in

Introduction,

the year 1535, wten the reformer Farel introduced the
Protestant doctrines into the pulpit of the cathedral of
that city, and began to celebrate the ordinances of re-
ligion in the vulgar tongue. It was more properly, how-
ever, in the year 1543, that Calvin, upon his return from
Strasburg, commenced the use of a Hturgy, which he
had prepared during his banishment, and which was
now set forth as the general order of Divine service.
From that time to the present, it has continued in con-
stant observance, and though unfortunately subjected to
some modifications, suiting it to the loose doctrines
which of late years have been preached in the pulpit
of Calvin, that liturgy may now be heard substantially
the same in all the churches of the city and canton of
Geneva.

The Reformed Churches of France received, in the year
1559, not only the Confession of Faith, and the Form of
Discipline, which at their solicitation had been drawn up
for them by the great theologian of Geneva, but also the
Form of Church Prayers and Administration of Sacra-
ments, prepared by him. These were forthwith adopted
by enactment of the National Synod, and made binding
upon all the ministers of the Reform in France. Can-
didates for the sacred oflfice were required to give their
signature to an engagement of adherence to this estab-
lished order. And in the subsequent conventions of
that highest ecclesiastical body, until dissolved one hun-
dred years after by the persecuting government, pro-
vision continued to be made for the careful and univer-

xii Introduction.

sal maintenance of that form of worship which had
been found so conducive to the edification and comfort
of believers.

The Waldenses of Piedmont, representing a race that
for centuries had contended for the apostolic faith and
discipline, sent, in the sixteenth century, their delegates
to the newly-Eeformed Churches of Switzerland, for the
purpose of ascertaining more definitely the nature of their
movement, and giving their adhesion to an evangelical
system of truth. These primitive Christians accepted as
their own the Confession of Faith established by Calvin ;
and they likewise adopted the Reformed Liturgy, which
they have continued to use down to the present day.
"Within a few years, to render more perfect the uniformity
of their worship, they have re-moulded the four or five
slightly-differing formularies in vogue among them, as
received from other Presbyterian Churches, and have set
forth a revised ritual, under the title of " The Liturgy of
the Evangelical Church of the Valleys.-"

In Holland, as early as 1566, the Liturgy of Calvin,
after various modifications, came into general use. It
was in 16*74, however, that a decree of the Synod of
Holland and Zealand established it as the universal order
of worship. Though differing more than any other of the
Reformed rituals from the original, this liturgy will yet
be seen, by its general structure and pervading ideas, to
belong to the same category, and derive its characteristic
features from the same source. It has been in prevalent
use, since its promulgation, among all the Churches of

Introduction. xiii

the Netherlands. The forms for the ordinary services of
worship have in part become obsolete ; but the more
essential oflSces of Communion, Baptism, and Ordination,
are still celebrated both in the mother country and in her
colonial possessions of South Africa and the East Indies,
as well as in the United States.

The German Reformed Churches of the Palatinate pro-
mulgated, in the year 1563, that admirable system of doc-
trine which has been called, from the city where it was
prepared, the "Heidelberg Catechism." At the same
period the Divines of that city introduced the Reformed
worship, corresponding substantially with the forms of the
Walloon and other Calvinistic Churches. The variation
from the Genevan ritual is but slight.

The Evangelical Churches in the French-speaking can-
tons of Switzerland have adopted, with various alterations,
the Liturgy of Geneva. The most interesting aspect un-
der which this ritual has been presented among those
Churches, is the very beautiful formulary prepared in the
early part of the last century, for the Church of Neuchatel.
Founded upon the old established service-book of Calvin,
it embodies many remarkable improvements, conceived in
the purest devotional spirit, and arranged with marked
discrimination. This formulary has been partially made
known in America, by means of a very imperfect transla-
tion, now used at the Huguenot Church in Charleston,
South Carohna. It is not generally known, however, that
this excellent work was the production of the famous John
Frederic Ostervald, the learned and pious theologian of

xiv Introduction.

Neuchatel, the translator and commentator of th« French
Bible. Published first in 1713, this liturgy has been in
use ever since, among the churches of that canton of
Switzerland. • ,

We come now to speak of the action of that Church
from which, more immediately, our own branch of Presby-
terianism has sprung, with reference to a provision for the
public ordinances of religion. It was in 1659 that John
Kjiox, returning from an exile spent chiefly in the city
of Geneva, at the feet of his friend and teacher, Calvin,
brought with him to Scotland a version of the Genevan
Liturgy. He had already been in the habit of using it
as the order of worship among the English congregations
in that city. This form of service he at once submitted
to the General Assembly for adoption ; and, by order of
that supreme ecclesiastical authority, it was commanded
to be printed, being "thought necessary and profitable
for the Church." In 1660 it was directed that "the
Sacraments should be administered" after the " Book of
our Common Order ;" and again, that " a uniform order .
should be kept in the ministration of the sacraments, &c.,
according to the Kirk of Geneva." The formulary thus
adopted, continued in more or less extensive use until the
period of the Assembly of Divines, who met at West-
minster in the year 1643, for the purpose of preparing a
common Confession of Faith, Order of Discipline, and
Form of Worship for the Churches of Great Britain.

The enactments of the Church of Scotland, during the
period of her freedom from the yoke of Prelacy, were

Introduction.

very explicit in relation to lier adopted and prescribed
forms of worship. We find tliem referred to, again and
again, in the proceedings of the General Assemblies. It
was ordered that no alterations or additions be made in
the established forms ; that readers be required to confine
themselves to the appointed modes of prayer ; that minis-
ters pro\dde themselves with that Order in prayer and ad-
ministration of sacraments. The same formulary was, in
1567, by order of the Assembly, translated into Gaelic,
for the use of the northern Churches. In 1620, a Scottish
clergyman speaks of it as the only " warrantable form
directed or approven by the Kirk," and habitually used.
It is stated by a contemporary writer, that as late as 1648,
the Knoxian Liturgy continued to be the common ritual
of the Church.

The laws of the Church of Scotland, on this subject,
have never been repealed ; nor has any rejection of this
ancient Presbyterian Liturgy occurred in her legislation.
It has never, indeed, appeared that there even existed a dis-
position to cast aside these forms, of which various editions
were published — ^undoubtedly in accordance with the de-
mands of the Church — down to the very year in which
the Assembly at Westminster commenced its sittings.

It may seem to militate against this view of the high
esteem in which, thus far, the Book of Common Order was
held, that the Westminster Assembly should have pro-
mulgated a new form of worship, which at once superseded
the use of the older one. But, taking into consideration
the project with which the transactions of that body were

xvi Introduction.

Gonnected, it is easy to conceive that this change should
have been made, and concurred in by the Church of Scot-
land, in hope of the benefits of an extensive agreement and
conformity, to be realized upon the adoption of an entirely
new platform. This project of a " Uniformity in Rehgion"
was divulged in the Solemn League and Covenant, agreed
upon in 1543 by commissioners of the Church of Scot-
land, and by the Parliament and the Assembly of Divines
in England, and afterward subscribed by great numbers
of the people of both countries. One of the articles of that
document binds the subscribers to " endeavour to bring
the Churches of God, in the three kingdoms, to the nearest
conjunction and uniformity in religion, confession of faith,
form of Church government, directory for worship, and
catechising."

A little before the meeting of the Assembly, in 1641, the
Scottish Book of Common Order was reprinted at London,
in abridged form, and " presented to the most high court
of Parliament." A second edition of this work appeared
duiing the session of that body, in 1643, with a similar
dedication. There can be little doubt that these reprints
were procured with a view to the adoption of the Scottish
formulary by Parliament, as the established order of wor-
ship under the new state of things. Such probably was
also the design of " The new Book of Scotland," issued in
1644 ; another synopsis of Knox's Liturgy. And al-
though, from the fact that the records of the Assembly
have been destroyed, it is difficult to trace the influences
that may have operated in the preparation of the new

Introduction. xvii

Directory, there are plentiful evidences in that work itself,
that the old liturgy was not ignored or rejected by its
framers ; nay, that it was to be, to some extent at least,
incorporated with the Assembly's book. We find pas-
sages where even the language of Knox's ritual is pre-
served ; while the method is almost always the same.*

Here the record of Presbyterian usage, in the matter of
written forms of worship, must end. From the statements
that have been made, it will be seen, that this historic
testimony of the Church stands unmistakably in favor of
a discretionary use of the " best helps" that can be ob-
tained for the performance of Divine services. At the
time of the Keformation, each of the various national
branches of Presbyterianism adopted a liturgy. To this
fact, there is not a solitary exception. And further, with
but one exception, each of the national Presbyterian
Churches of Europe has retained, down to the present
day, with greater or less modification, its particular lit-
urgy. The Church of Scotland, which for a hundred
years had preserved these written forms, finally laid them
aside, not of her own choice and preference, but in con-
cession to a plan of uniformity with other Churches, in the
use of a common Directory for Worship.

The adoption of a liturgy is peculiarly consonant
with the spirit and usage of the Presbyterian Church.
That a body, characterized by strict and scrupulous ad-
herence to established formulas of doctrine and discipline,
should make full provision for the proper celebration of
* See Appendix.

xviii Introduction.

worship, appears most suitable and natural. And although,
in the Church of Scotland, bitter enmity to forms of
prayer has long existed, arising out of arbitrary attempts
to enforce an obnoxious Hturgy, in times of civil commo-
tion, there has never been a single enactment of our
Church to forbid or condemn the introduction or revival of
this her former practice. It is a fact of no little meaning,
that when the Presbyterian Church in this country was
organized on a national basis, there was a proposal, on
the part of influential Divines, to introduce a discretionary
form of public prayer. Such a form was prepared, print-
ed, and presented for approval to the Synod, by a com-
mittee duly appointed, and was advocated by some of the
most distinguished ministers of the period, among others,
by the late venerable Ashbel Green, D.D. In the present
volume, some extracts from that work will be found.

We pass from this survey of the history of the Re-
formed Liturgies, to a brief examination of their sti'ucture.
Modelled after no complicated forms produced by slow
accumulation in previous ages, this order of worship is at
once distinguished for the simphcity and the logical per-
fection of its arrangement. A sentence of Invocation, upon
the utterance of which the people rise, begins the ordinary
service of the Lord's Day. The Law is then rehearsed ;
and the worshipper, having heard its requirements, is in-
vited to draw near, and acknowledge his sins before God.
Then the Gospel declaration of forgiveness is announced,
for the comfort of the contrite believer. This penitential
oflSce is preliminary and preparatory to the act of Praise

Introduction. xix

and Adoration, whicli is performed by the entire congrega-
tion, in the choral singing of the Psalm. Next, the Scrip-
tures are read,* out of both Testaments ; after which, the
minister offers up a prayer for illumination in the study of
God's Word. To this he adds any special supplication,
growing out of the subject of discourse, or otherwise appro-
priate, concluding with a general Thanksgiving and the
Lord's Prayer. The Sermon (preceded by a hymn) stands
in connection with the reading of Scripture, of which it is
properly an exposition ; and with the prayer for illumina-
tion, which has reference to this exercise of meditation
upon the "Word of God. It is followed by the Prayer of
Intercession, the highest act of the believer's worship,
and that in which, so to speak, he ventures nearest to the
Throne of Grace. This, with the Creed and Benediction,
closes the ordinary service, when the Lord's Supper is not
celebrated. Thus, entering the Divine Presence with invoca-
tion, hearkening to the commandments of the Law, joining
in the confession* of sins, and receiving the Gospel assur-

* In the Genevan Liturgy, this reading of Scripture forms an
introductory part of Divine Service, and precedes the Law and con-
fession of sins. But that arrangement, it was justly remarked by the
Divines of Neuchatel, in their admirable revision of the old Liturgy,
was open to practical objections, and was a deviation from the
known custom of the Primitive Church, where the reading of Scrip-
ture was always closely followed by the preaching. " It is by these
reasons that the leaders of the churches of this State have thought
themselves indispensably obliged to restore the reading of the "Word
of God in their service." We may add, that all the Eeformed
Churches of Great Britain and this country, have, in this respect,
improved upon the Genevan practice ; for the reading of Scripture
couatitutea with tliem a central fea^i3i^;gfjDlvine worship.

'Oc^ TE

XX Introduction.

ance of forgiveness : the believer has been prepared to
offer up the sacrifice of song ; " My lips shall utter praise,
when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes." Next, implor-
ing Divine help in the study of the Word, he listens to its
announcement ; and then, approaching with enlarged de-
sires the mercy-seat, he urges his requests in behalf of the
Universal Church, and of all mankind ; and finally, joins in
that common profession of belief, whereby the Church of
all ages declares her oneness in the faith of the Gospel.

But the cumulative order of this service would be mani-
festly incomplete, without some reference to the Sacrament
of the Lord's Supper. That ordinance, in the Primitive
Church, was undoubtedly celebrated upon every Lord's
Day ; and whatever oflfices of praise and prayer accom-
panied it, had in view this celebration as the chief part
of Divine service. In the Reformed Worship, not less
distinctly than elsewhere, we find the allusion to this fact
preserved. The Intercessory Prayer that succeeds the
Sermon, is designed to be followed immediately by the
Exhortation before the Communion ; and in contemplation
of this crowning ordinance, remembrance is made in that
prayer of all the scattered members of the body of Christ.
This was customary among the early Christians : who, in
their weekly observance of the sacred Feast, offered up like
supplications for the necessities of the Church, and for
all mankind. The analogy to this custom is maintained
in our service, not only by the location of the Intercessory
Prayer, in which the ordinary service culminates, but also
by a particular clause inserted in the last petition. Nor is

Introduction. xxi

it less observable in the tenderness and fervency of that
prayer, increasing with each request presented, for the
several classes of men, for the ministry and the Church,
tor those in affliction, for persecuted Christians ; and end-
ing with a subdued acknowledgment of guilt, and pro-
fession of surrender to the service of God. It is well
known that our Reformers, while acquiescing in the prac-
tice of celebrating the Lord's Supper only at intervals
of several months, regarded this as a defect of the times,
and strongly recommended a return to the primitive usage
of frequent communion.

Considering, therefore, the Communion as the natural
and necessary consummation of the Order of Divine Wor-
ship, we proceed to a brief analysis of that Office. It
begins with a prayer, which indeed is only a conclusion
to the General Intercession, but which may properly be
separated from it by the singing of a sacramental hymn.
Then the words of the Institution are read, from 1 Co-
rinthians, xi. ; and a short address is made, setting forth
the nature of the ordinance, and inviting to participation.
Proceeding from this preparatory service to the adminis-
tration, the minister offers up the Consecrating Prayer,
and utters the sacramental words, while breaking the
bread and pouring out the wine. In the distribution of
the Elements, appropriate sentences of Scripture are re-
peated ; and, after the Thanksgiving, an offering of alms
for the poor is made, when the service ends with a hymn
and the Benediction.*

* The hymn universally sung in the continental Churches, on this
occasion, is a paraphrase of the song of Simeon, Luke, ii. 29-32.

xadi Introduction.

We can not more fitly end this examination of the
Keformed service, than in the words of Calvin, as trans-
lated by his disciple, John Knox : " If so be that any
would marvel why we follow rather this order than any
other, in the administration of this Sacrament, let him
diligently consider that, first of all, we utterly renounce
the error of the Papists. Secondly, we restore unto the
Sacrament its own substance, and to Christ "His proper
place. And as for the words of the Lord's Supper, we
rehearse them, not because they should change the sub-
stance of the bread or wine, or that the repetition
thereof, with the intent of the sacrificer, should make the
Sacrament (as the Papists falsely believe) ; but they are
read and pronounced to teach us how to behave ourselves
in that action ; and that Christ might witness unto our
faith, as it were, with His own mouth, that He hath or-
dained these signs to our spiritual use and comfort. Wa
do first, therefore, examine ourselves, according to St.
Paul's rule, and prepare our minds, that we may be wor-
thy partakers of so high mysteries. Then, taking bread,
we give thanks, break, and distribute it, as Christ our
Saviour hath taught us. Finally, the administration ended,
we give thanks again, according to His example. So
that without His Word and warrant, there is nothing in
this holy action attempted."

The present work is a compilation from the Liturgies
which were prepared by Calvin, Knox, Bucer, and other
Divines of the Reformed Church, and which have been

Introduction. xxiii

adopted in the various branches of that Church on the
continent of Europe, and in Great Britain. The Liturgy
of Calvin, being the original formulary upon which all the
others were draughted, is taken as the basis for the ordi-
nary services of Divine Worship and the Administration of
the Sacraments. Selections from other forms are ap-
pended to each of these OfiBces, for alternate use or occa-
sional substitution. The Directory of Worship of the
Presbyterian Church is quoted wherever appropriate, for
the exhibition of the manner of performing these services ;
and the more essential parts are given in full, designated
by marks of quotation. A collection of Scriptural prayers,
and of prayers from other sources, adapted to special occa-
sions, concludes the work. The attempt has thus been
made to place within the reach of the ministers and laity
of the Presbyterian Church a complete arrangement of the
various forms of worship instituted by her authority, for
the proper discharge of the solemn duties of the sanctuary.

■il^j

-m'.

A TABLE

PORTIONS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

TO BE READ IN PUBLIC WORSHIP.

Heading of the "Word in the Congregation, being part of the Public Worship
of God, wherein we acknowledge our dependence upon Him and subjection to
Him, and one means sanctified by Him for the edifying of His people, is to be
performed by the Pastor and teacher.

How large a portion shall be read at once, is left to the wisdom of the Min-
ister ; but it is convenient that ordinarily one chapter of each Testament be
read at every meeting; and sometimes more, where the chapters be short, or
the coherence of matter requireth it.

It is requisite that all the Canonical Books be read over in order, that the
people may be better acquainted with the whole body of the Scriptures : and
ordinarily, where the reading in either Testament endeth on one Lord's Day,
it is to begin the next.

Directory for Worship, ly the Westminster Dimnes : § 2.

The following order has been prepared to facilitate selection.

MOENING SeKVIOE.

EvENiNO Service.

Sun-
days.

First Portion.

Second.

First Portion.

Second.

lGen.i.

John i. 1-18.

Isa. i. 1-20.

Acts

ii. 1-21.

ii.

Luke i. 26-56.

ii.

ii. 22-47.

iii.

Matt. i.

V. 1-17.

Vi.

vi.

T.nke ii. 1-20.

vi.

ix. 1-22,

vii.

Matt ii.

vii. 10-26.

xi. 1-18.

vUi.

John 1. 19-51.

ix.

xvi. 14-40.

ix. 1-19.

Matt. iv.

xi.

xxvi.

xii.

John iii. 1-21.

XXV.

Rora.

i. 1-25.

xxii.

John iv. 1-26.

xxvi.

iv.

xxviii.

Luke iv. 16-37.

XXXV.

xxxvii. l-li8.

Luke V. 1-26.

xxxviii.

vi.

xlii. 1-28.

John V. 19-47.

xl.

vU.

xliii.

Matt. xii. 1-21.

xli.

tiU.

A TABLE.

Morning Sekvice.

Evening Sekvicb.

^^^- First Portion. Second.

First Portion.

Second.

14Gen.xlv.

Matt. V. 1-20.

Isa.

xlii.

Eom.

xii.

15 xlvi. 1-7;

Matt. vi. 1-18.

xliii.

XV. 1-13.

28-34; and

xlvii. 1-12.

16 xlviii.

Matt. vi. 19-34.

xliv.

ICor.

i. 1-25.

17 xlix.

Matt. vii.

xiv.

ii.

18 Ex. ii.

Matt. xi.

xlviii.

iii.

19 iii.

Matt. xii. 1-21.

xlix.

xii.

20 V.

Matt. xiii. 1-30.

li.

xiii.

21 xiL 1-86.

Matt. xiii. 33-58.

Iii.

xiv. 1-20.

22 xiv.

Matt. ix. 18-38.

lui.

XV. 1-20.

28 XV.

Matt. X. 1-20.

liv.

XV. 21-58.

24 xvi. 1-19.

Matt. xiv. 14-36.

Iv.

2 Cor.

iv.

25 xl. 17-38.

John vi. 35-59.

Mii.

26 Deuti. 19-46.

Matt. xvi.

lix.

27 iv. 28-40.

Matt. xvii. 1-21.

Ix.

Gal.

iii.

28 ix.

Matt, xviii. 1-20.

Ixi.

Eph.

29 xviii.

Lulie X. 1-24.

Ixii.

ii.

80 xxxiii.

John vii. 14-31.

Ixiii.

iii.

81Josli.iii.

John vii. 32-52.

Ixiv.

iv.

82 vli.

Luke X. 25-42.

Ixv.

88 xxiv. 1-25,

. Luke xi. 1-13.

Jer.

xiv. 7-22.

Philip

. ii. 1-18.

84Judg.ii.

Luke xii. 1-21.

xvii. 5-27.

Col.

iii.

85 Ruth i.

Luke xii. 22-48.

xxxi. 1-20.

IThes

. V.

861Sam.iii.

John ix. 1-25.

xxxiii. 1-16.

2 Thes

. ii.

87 xii.

John X. 1-18.

Lam.

iii. 22-59.

Heb.

88 XV. i-28.

John xi. 19-46.

Ezek

. i.

ii.

89 xvi. 1-13.

John xii. 12-36.

iii.

40 2S&m.vii.

John xiii.

xxxiii. 1-20.

iv.

41 xii. 1-23.

John xiv.

xxxiv. 11-31

42 1 Ki. iii. 1-15.

John XV.

xxxvii. 1-14

xi.

43 vi. 11-38.

John xvi.

xliii. 1-12.

xii.

44 ix. 1-14.

John xvii.

xlvii. 1-12.

James

ii.

45 xvii.

John xviii. 1-27.

Dan.

iii.

IPet.

ii.

46 xviii. 17-46.Luke xxiii. 1-25.

vi.

1 John

47 xix.

Luke xxiii. 26-49.

ix.

Revel

, i.

'48 2Ki.ii.

John xix. 25-42.

Amos V. 1-15.

iii.

49 V. 1-19.

John XX. 1-18.

Mic.

iv.

502Ch. xxxvi. l-21.Luke xxiv. 13-35.

vi.

xix.

61 Neh. viii.

John XX. 19-31.

Hab.

iii.

XX.

52 Job 1.

John xxi.

Zech

. xiii.

xxi.

53 xlii.

Acts i. 1-14.

Mai.

iii.

xxil.

THE ._ ^'W-

ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE

FOR . ■

THE LORD'S DAY.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who of Thy
great mercy hast gathered us
into Thy visible Church : Grant that
■we may not swerve from the purity
of Thy worship ; hut so honour Thee
both in spirit and in outward forms,
that Thy Name in us may be glorified,
and we be indeed the members of
Thine Only-begotten Son. And as
He hath sanctified Himself for our
Bakes, may we through His Spirit be
made partakers of the same sanctifi-
eation : Until at length He shall bring
us into His heavenly Kingdom, which
He hath purchased for us with His
own blood. Amen.

Calvin.

THE

ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE

THE MORNING OF THE LORD'S DAY.

The congregation being assembled, let the Minister begin with one or more

of these sentences of -0

INVOCATION.

/^UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made

^^ heaven and earth.

Let the words of my mouthy and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, my
Strength and my Redeemer.

0 send out Thy light and Thy truth : let them lead
me : let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to
Thy tabernacles: then will I go unto the altar of
God, unto God my exceeding joy.

1 will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence
Cometh my help : my help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.

30 Order op Divine Service

Then let him rehearse the Ten Commandments of
THE LAW.

A ND God spake all these words, saying, I am the
-^^ Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of
the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon
the children unto the third and fourth generation of
them that hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands
of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God
in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that
taketh His Name in vain.

Kemember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six
days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work : but the
seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it
thou shalt not dp any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor

MORNIN^G OF THE LoRD's DaY. 31

thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates :
for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh
day : wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and
, hallowed it.

Honour thy father and thy mother : that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God
giveth thee.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh-
bour. '

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou
shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-
servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass,
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

TTEAR also the Summary of the Law by our Lord
-*-^ Jesus Christ.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour

32 Or DEE OF Divine Service.

as thyself. On these two commandments hang all
the Law and the Prophets.

RESPONSE,

To be said or sung by the congregation.

THE Lord our God be with us : let Him not leave
us nor forsake us : that He may incline our hearts
unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His
commandments.

invitat:ion.

Then let the Minister say:

IF we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

Let us therefore draw near with an humble and
penitent heart, and acknowledge our sins before God.

confession of sin.

A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God ! we acknowledge
-^-*- and confess, before Thy holy Majesty, that we
are poor, miserable sinners, conceived and born in in-
iquity, prone to evil, unable of ourselves to do any
good ; and that by continual transgression of Thy holy

Morning of the Lord's Day. 33

commandments, we have incurred Thy righteous sen-
tence of condemnation and death. But, 0 Lord! we
do repent, and are sorry for our offences ; we condemn
ourselves and our iniquities, with true penitence, be-
seeching Thee by Thy grace to help our infirmities.
Have mercy upon us, 0 God ! Father of mercies ! for
the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blot out our sins; pardon all our transgressions;
and increase daily within us the gifts of Thy Holy
Spirit : to the end that we, acknowledging with all our
hearts our own unrighteousness, may be touched with
lively sorrow; and being dead unto sin, may bring
forth those fruits of righteousness and holiness, which
are well-pleasing unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ
our Lord.

Here, and at the end of all other prayers, let the congregation say. Amen.
Then let the Minister add:

TTEAR now the gracious words of our Lord Jesus
-*--*- Christ, unto all that truly repent and turn to
Him:

God so loved the world, that He gave His Only-
Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should

not perish, but have everlasting life.

34 Order of Divine Service.

Come unto me, all je that labour, and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest.

Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accep-
tation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
all. Amen.

[Here may follow the reading of a selection from the Psalms, by the Minister
and congregation alternately, where such is the practice.]

Then the singing of a

PSALM,

or Hymn, of Praise and Thanksgiving. " The whole congregation should bo
famished with books, and ought to join in this part of service." Next the

out of the Old and New Testaments. "How large a portion shall be read at
once, is left to the wisdom of the Minister : but it is convenient that ordinarily
one chapter of each Testament be read at every meeting; and sometimes
more, when the chapters are short, or the coherence of matter requireth it."
[See the Table of Portions of Scripture to be read in Public Worship.]
" The Minister may, when he thinks it expedient, expound any part of what
is read: always having regard to the time, that neither reading, singing, pray-
ing, preaching, nor any other ordinance, be disproportionate the one to the
other, nor the whole rendered too short or too tedious."

Then let the Minister offer up a prayer of
SUPPLICATION AND THANKSGIVING.

11 /TOST Gracious God, our Heavenly Father ! in
-^^-*- whom alone dwelleth all the fulness of light and

.Morning of the Lord's Day. 35

wisdom : Illumine our minds, we beseech Thee, by Thy
Holy Spirit, in the true understanding of Thy Word.
Give us grace to receive it with reverence and humility
unfeigned. May it lead us to put our whole trust in
Thee alone : and so to serve and honour Thee, that we
may glorify Thy Name, and edify our neighbours by
our godly example. And since Thou art pleased
to number us among Thy people, enable and dispose
us to pay Thee the love and homage that we owe, as
children to our Father, and as servants to our Lord.

Here may be introduced whatever special matter of prayer shall be thought
appropriate, whether extemporaneous, or selected from the occasional prayers;
concluding with a general thanksgiving.

TTONOUR and praise be given to Thee, 0 Lord God
-^-^ Almighty, for all Thy mercy and loving-kindness
shown unto us Thy people. We bless Thee for the
goodness that freely chose us to salvation before the
world began. We thank Thee for creating us after
Thine own image; for redeeming us, when we were
lost, with the precious blood of Christ ; for sanctifying
us by Thy Spirit in the revelation and knowledge of
Thy Word ; for Thy help and succour in our necessities^
Thy fatherly comfort in our tribulations ; for saving

36 Order OF Divine Service. ^

us in dangers of body and soul, and giving us so large
a time of repentance. These benefits, 0 most Mer-
ciful Father! we acknowledge to have received of
Thy goodness alone ; and so do we implore Thy grace
continually to augment our thankfulness toward Thee,
kindling our hearts with pure and fervent love. Suffer
us not to receive Thy Word in vain ; but graciously
assist us always, in heart, word, and deed, to sanctify
and worship Thy holy Name : Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Then let the Mioister and people say together
THE lord's prayer.

/^UR Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy
^^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de-
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen,

After this prayer, let a Hymn be sung before the
SERMON.

Morning of the Lord's Day. 37

At the conclusion of wMch the following prayer, or to the like effect.
INTERCESSION.

A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father ! Thou
■^^ hast promised to grant the requests of those
who approach Thee in the Name of Thy well-beloved
Son; by whom also we are taught to assemble
in His Name, assured that He will be present in
our midst, and, by His intercession, obtain for us
all things that we shall agree on earth to ask Thee.
Wherefore, most gracious Father ! trusting in Thy
blessed promise, we draw near unto Thee through
Him; and earnestly pray Thee, for His sake, that
Thou wilt of Thine infinite goodness freely pardon
our offences ; and so attract and elevate our thoughts
and desires unto Thyself, that we may with one
heart call upon Thee for those things which are
agreeable to Thy just and righteous will. o... ..

f\ GOD ! who hast bidden us pray for those in au-
-^ thority among men : Bless, we entreat Thee, all
rulers and magistrates, unto whom Thou hast commit-
ted the administration of justice ; and especially Thy
servants who bear rule in this land. *May it please
Thee daily to increase within them Thy good Spirit :

38 Order of Divine Service.

that with true faith acknowledging Jesus Christ Thy
Son our Lord to be King of kings, and Lord of lords,
unto whom Thou hast given all power in heaven and
on earth, they may seek to honour Thee, and exalt Thy
rule in their dominions ; and so govern their subjects,
who are the creatures of Thy hand, and the sheep of
Thy pasture, that as well here as throughout all the
earth, Thy people being kept in peace and quiet, may
serve Thee in all godliness and honesty

A LMIGHT Y Saviour I We pray for all those whom
-^^ Thou hast appointed Pastors of Thy flock, and
intrusted with the care of souls, and the dispensing of
Thy holy Gospel. Guide them by Thy Spirit, that
they may be found faithful Ministers of Thy glory.
Let them ever hold this end in view : that all poor,
wandering sheep may be gathered in, and made subject
to the Lord Jesus Christ, the chief Shepherd and
>Bishop of souls ; to the end that they may daily ad-
vance and grow up in Him, unto all righteousness and
holiness. Deliver Thy Churches from corrupt and
false teachers, who seek only their own glory and
gain.

Morning of the Loed's Day. 39

OST gracious God, Father of mercies ! We pray for
all mankind : that as Thou wouldst be acknow-
ledged as the Saviour of the world, in the redemption
wrought by Thy Son Jesus Christ, all those who are
yet strangers to Him, in darkness and captivity to
ignorance and error, may be led by the enlightening
of Thy Spirit, and the preaching of Thy Gospel, into
the way of salvation : which is, to know Thee, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast
sent. Grant also that those already visited with
Thy grace may continually grow in all goodness,
being enriched with Thy spiritual benedictions: to
the end that we all, with one heart and one mouth,
may worship Thee, giving homage and praise to Thy
Christ, our Lord, Lawgiver, and King.

r\ GOD of all Comfort ! We commend to Thee those
^ whom Thou art pleased to chasten with any cross
or tribulation ; all people visited with pestilence, war,
or famine ; all persons afflicted with poverty, imprison-
ment, sickness, banishment, or other distress of body
or trouble of mind : that it may please Thee to show
them Thy fatherly kindness, chastening them for their
profit, to the end that with their whole hearts they

40 Order of Divine Service.

may turn unto Thee, and being converted, receive
perfect consolation, and deliverance from all their woes.

A ND especially we commend to Thee our brethren,
-^■*- who, being persecuted by the enemies of Thy
Gospel, are deprived of the pasture of life, and the
privilege of publicly calling upon Thy Name : That
it may please Thee, 0 Father of mercies ! to strengthen
them by the grace of Thy Spirit, so that they may
not faint, nor fall away, but may continue stedfast
in Thy sacred calling. Succour them, help them,
even as Thou knowest their need; console them in
their trials, preserve them in Thy safe keeping, against
the malice of their foes ; and augment in them all the
gifts of Thy Spirit : that as well in life as in death
they may glorify Thee.

"TIINALLY, 0 God our Father ! Grant also unto us
-*- who are here assembled in the Name of Thy
Holy Child Jesus, to hear His Word [and to celebrate
His Supper] , that we may truly and unfeignedly ac-
knowledge our lost estate by nature, and the con-
demnation we deserve by disobedient lives. And
conscious that in us there dwelleth no good, and that

Morning of the Lord s Day. 41

our flesh and blood cannot inherit Thy kingdom^ may
we with entire confidence and pure affection give
ourselves^ up to Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord
and only Saviour and Redeemer : that He, dwelling
in us, may mortify all remaining sin, renewing us for
that better life, where we shall perfectly praise and
magnify Thy great and holy Name, world without
end. Amen.

Then let the Minister and people say together
THE CREED.

T ORD, increase our faith.

-^ I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only
Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pon-
tius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; he de-
scended into hell;* the third day He rose again from
the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence
He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 1
believe in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the

• t. c, Continued in the state of the dead, and under the power of death,
until the third day.

42 Order of Divine Service.

resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.
Amen.

Then let a Hymn be sung, after which (when the Lord's Supper is not to be
administered), the congregation shall be dismissed with the

BENEDICTION.

nnHE Lord bless thee, and keep thee :
-^ The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and
be gracious unto thee :

The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and
give thee peace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be
•with you all. Amen.

OTHER FORMS

FOR THE

MORNING SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAY.

THE BEATITUDES,

To be sometimes read in place of the Law.

/^UR Lord Jesus Christ hath said, Blessed are the
^ poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be
comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness : for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain
mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see
God.

Blessed are the peace-makers : for they shall be
called the children of God.

44 Order of Divine Service.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for right-
eousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

RESPONSE.

r^ OD be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause
^^ His face to shine upon us.

To be sometimes read in place of tlie Law.

TTEAR the words of our Lord Jesus Christ :
-*--'- Except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in
no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is
merciful.

Love your enemies ; do good to them which hate
you ; bless them that curse you ; and pray for them
which despitefully use you.

When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know
what thy right hand doeth ; that thine alms may be in
secret : and thy Father, which seeth in secret. Him-
self shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father

Morning of the Lord's Day. 45

which is in secret : and thy Father, which seeth in ae-
cret, shall reward thee openly.

When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy
face ; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto
thy Father which is in secret : and thy Father, which
seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal :

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal. For where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Take no thought, saying. What shall we eat?
or. What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall
we be clothed ? For your heavenly Father knoweth
that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His
righteousness ; and all these things shall be added
unto you.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged ; condemn
not, and ye shall not be condemned ; forgive, and ye
shall be forgiven ; give, and it shall be given unto
you.

46 Order of Divine Service.

Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall
find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this is
the Law and the Prophets.

RESPONSE.

npHOU art my portion, 0 Lord : I have said that I
-■- would keep Thy words.

confession of sin.

{Invitation :) After those days, saith the Lord, I
will put My laws into their mind, and write them in
their hearts : and their sins and their iniquities will
I remember no more.

Having therefore this promise, dearly beloved, let
us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of
faith, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need.

OST Holy God ! who art of purer eyes than to
behold iniquity, who condemnest the ungodly.

Morning of the Lord's Day. 47

impenitent, and unbelieving, but hast promised mercy
through Jesus Christ unto all that repent and believe
in Him : "We confess that we were conceived in sin,
and are by nature children of wrath, and have all
sinned and come short of Thy glory. Thou hast re-
vealed unto us Thy wonderful love in Christ, and of-
fered us pardon and salvation in Him : but we have
resisted Thy Spirit, and neglected so great salvation ;
we have run into temptations ; and the sin we should
have hated, we have committed in Thy sight, both se-
cretly and openly, ignorantly and carelessly, rashly
and presumptuously, against Thy promises. Thy mer-
cies, and Thy judgments. Our transgressions are
multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us ;
if Thou deal with us as we deserve. Thou wilt cast us
away from Thy sight. Have mercy upon us, 0 God !
be reconciled unto us, and let the blood of Jesus
Christ cleanse us from all our sins. Take us for Thy
children, and give us the Spirit of Thy Son. Oh !
make Thy face to shine upon Thy servants ; save us
from our sins, and from the wrath to come ; make us
a peculiar people unto Thee, zealous of Thy praise.
We ask it in the Name of our blessed and only Re-
deemer. Amen.

48 Order of Divine Service. *

II.

{Invitation :) If we confess our sins, He is faith-
ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.

Let us therefore draw near with an humble and
penitent heart, and acknowledge our sins before God.

"TTfE are not worthy, 0 Lord! to come into Thy
' ^ presence, by reason of our manifold offences.
For we were conceived in sin, and in iniquity was
every one of us born. All the days of our life' we
have continued to follow the corruption of our fleshly
nature. If Thou, Lord, shouldst enter into judgment
with Thy servants, just occasion hast Thou to punish
not only this our mortal flesh, but our bodies and souls
for ever. But Thou, 0 Lord ! art a merciful God, a
loving and favourable Father, to all that unfeignedly
turn unto Thee from their sins. Wherefore we most
humbly beseech Thee, for the sake of Christ, Thy
Son, show Thy mercy upon us. Forgive us all our
offences. Endue us with Thy Holy Spirit. Sanctify
us wholly ; and grant us Thy grace, that in all the
days of our lives hereafter, we may study to serve and

Morning of the Lord's Day. 49

please Thee, in word and in deed, through our only
Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Amen.

III.

{Invitation ;) Beloved, the Scriptures declare. He
that covereth his sins shall not prosper ; but whoso
confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need. > -

A LMIGHTY, Everlasting God I Father of our
-^ Lord Jesus Christ! Creator of all things,
Judge of all men ! We acknowledge and lament in
Thy sight, that we were conceived and born in sin, and
are prone to evil, and unfit for any good. We have
broken Thy holy law, times and ways without num-
ber, by contempt of Thee and Thy Word, by distrust
of Thy grace, and vain confidence in ourselves and in
the world, by thoughts and works grievously ofiending
Thy holy Majesty, and sinning against our neighbour.
Thus have we buried ourselves more and more deeply
in spiritual death. But we do earnestly repent, and

are sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon

50 Ordee of Divine Service.

us, most Gracious and Merciful Father, for the sake
of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Forgive us all
that is past. Grant us and increase within us Thy
Holy Spirit : who shall teach us penitently to ac-
knowledge our sins, and being touched with lively sor-
row, by true faith to obtain remis&ion of them in
Christ. So that daily dying unto sin, in newness of
life we may serve and please Thee, to the glory of
Thy Name and the edification of Thy Church :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THANKSGIVING.

11 /TOST Glorious God! Accept, through Thy be-
-^'-*- loved Son, our thanksgiving for Thine unspeak-
able love and goodness. Thou art the Father of
Mercies and the God of all Consolation, full of com-
passion, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.
For Thy glory Thou didst create us after Thine
image ; and when we forsook Thee, Thou didst not
leave us in the hands of death, but didst so love the
world as to give Thy Son to be our Saviour. We
thank Thee for His death, that saveth us from death.

Morning of the Lord's Day. 61"

and for His life, that opened unto us the way to life. We
thank Thee for the new and better Covenant ; for Thy
great and precious promises ; that Thou hast given us
eternal life in Christ ; that we have the clear and sure
revelation of Thy will in the Holy Scriptures ; that
Thou hast founded Thy Church upon Apostles and
Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-
stone. We thank Thee that Thou hast communicated
to Thy ministers the Word of reconciliation ; that by
them Thou hast opened our eyes, and turned us from
darkness unto light ; that Thou hast adopted us to be
Thy sons, and joint-heirs with Christ, and made us
His members, and given us His Spirit. All Thy
paths, 0 Lord ! are mercy and truth to such as keep
Thy covenant. Oh ! continue Thy loving-kindness
unto us, that we may rejoice and be glad in Thee all
our days. Guide us by Thy counsel, and afterward
receive us to Thy glory : where, with all the blessed
host of heaven, we may behold, admire, and perfectly
and joyfully praise Thee, our most glorious Creator,
Redeemer, and Sanctifier, for ever and ever. Amen.

52 Okder of Divine Service.

II.
r\ LORD our God, we lift up our hearts unto Thee,
^ in grateful acknowledgment of all Thy mercies.
We praise Thee as the source of all blessing, full of
compassion and goodness unto the children of men.
We thank Thee that Thou hast formed us reasonable
creatures, capable of knowing and serving Thee. We
bless Thee for Thy preserving care over us, and for
all our temporal enjoyments. Above all we praise
Thee, 0 most Merciful Father, for Thy spiritual
blessings in Christ Jesus ; for the Holy Spirit and His
influences ; for the Covenant of Grace and all the
precious promises thereof; for Thy Word, for the
Gospel ministry, and all Thine ordmances. For these
benefits we bless Thee, 0 God, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost; our Creator, Redeemer, and
Sanctifier. And now, Lord, we commit ourselves to
Thee ; we hope in Thy mercies, and we wait for Thy
salvation. Accept our worship, and forgive our sins,
in the Name of our crucified and exalted Redeemer,
Jesus Christ : unto whom, with the Father and the
Spirit of all Grace, be ascribed glory, honour, domin-
ion, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

Morning of the Lord's Day. 53

-\ .

HI.
r\ GOD ! Thy glory is great in all the Churches,
^^ and the praises of Thy Name resound in the as-
semblies»of Thy saints. We thy servants would hum-
ble ourselves before Thee. "We worship Thine infinite
Majesty. We celebrate Thy wisdom, power, and
goodness, that shine forth in the works of creation
and redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord. We
bless Thee for all temporal and spiritual good that we
continually receive at Thy bountiful hands. But
more especially, with all Thy people assembled this
day, we praise Thee that Thou didst send into the
world Thy Son to save us ; and having delivered Him
up for our offences, didst raise Him again for our
justification ; and through His glorious resurrection
hast given us the blessed hope of everlasting life. 0
Lord ! may these our thanksgivings come up with
acceptance before Thy throne. Make us worthy at
the last day to have part in the resurrection of the
lust, and the glory of the kingdom of heaven : whither
Jesus the Forerunner is for us entered ; where now
He lives and reigns, and is worshipped and glorified,
with Thee and the Hply Ghost, God blessed for ever.
Amen.

54 Order of Divine Service,
intercession.

' -if, ■ .1.

A LMIGHTY and most merciful Father,, who by
-^^ Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make
our prayers and supplications for all men : We
beseech Thee to lead such as are yet ignorant, from
error to the pure understanding of Thy truth ; so that
all mankind may learn, with one consent, to worship
Thee their only God and Saviour. Give grace to all
pastors and ministers of Thy holy Word, unto whom
Thou hast committed the charge of Thy chosen
people, that they may both in life and doctrine be
found faithful, setting only before them Thy glory ;
and that by them all poor sheep that wander and go
astray may be gathered and brought home to Thy fold.
And because the hearts of rulers are in Thy hand,
we beseech Thee to guide and govern all those unto
whom Thou hast committed the sword. Especially, 0
Lord I according to our bounden duty, we entreat
Thee to bless those in authority in this land. Let
Thy fatherly favour so preserve them, let Thy Holy
Spirit so direct their minds, that they, may execute
their office to the maintenance of pure religion, and

Morning of the Lord's Day. 55

the punishment of evil-doers, according to the precise
rule of Th J holy Word.

And for that we be all members of the mystical
Body of Christ Jesus, we make our requests unto
Thee, 0 heavenly Father ! for such as are afflicted
with any cross or tribulation, as war, plague, famine,
poverty, sickness, or any other kind of Thy chastise-
ments, whether it be grief of body or unquietness of
mind : that it may please Thee to give them patience
and constancy, until Thou send them full deliverance
out of all their woes.

And finally, 0 Lord ! we most humbly beseech
Thee to show Thy great mercies upon those our breth-
ren, who may be persecuted, cast into prison, and
condemned to death, for the testimony of Thy Truth :
and though they be utterly destitute of all man's aid,
yet let Thy sweet comfort never depart from them ;
but so inflame their hearts with Thy Holy Spirit,
that they may boldly and cheerfully abide such trial
as Thy godly wisdom shall appoint. And may all
Thine afflicted people so serve and follow Thee, that
at length, as well by their death as by their life, the
kingdom of Thy Son Jesus Christ may increase
and shine throughout the world.

56 Order OF Divine Service.

These graces, 0 heavenly Father ! and all others
that Thou knowest to be expedient for us, and for all
mankind, we ask in the Name of our Sovereign Mas-
ter, Christ Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son : and for His
sake also, we beseech Thee to grant us perfect con-
tinuance in the lively faith of Thy Universal Church,
whereof we make our confession, saying :

I believe in God, etc.

II.
r\ MOST Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity!
^ Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! Three Persons
and one God ; our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ;
our Lord, our Governor, and Father ! hear us, and
have mercy upon us !

0 Lord our Saviour I God and man ; Who, having
assumed our nature, by Thy sufferings, death, and
burial, wast made a ransom to take away the sins of
the world ; who, being raised from the dead, ascended
and glorified, art made Head over all things to the
Church : We beseech Thee to hear us, and have
mercy upon us. Make sure to us our calling and
election, our unfeigned faith and repentance ,• that
being justified and made the sons of God, we may

Morning of the Lord's Day. 57

liave peace with Him as our reconciled God and
Father:

Let Thy Holy Spirit sanctify us, and dwell in our
hearts, and cause us to deny ourselves, and to give
ourselves entirely to Thee.

As the world was created for Thy glory, let Thy
Name be glorified throughout the world. Let self-
love, and pride, and vain-glory be destroyed. Make
us to love Thee, fear Thee, and trust in Thee with all
our hearts, and live to Thee.

Let all mankind subject themselves to Thee, their
King. Let the kingdoms of the world become the
kingdoms of the Lord, and of His Christ. Let
atheists, idolaters, Mohammedans, Jews, and all un-
godly people be converted. Send forth meet labourers
into the harvest, preserve and bless them in their
work, and let the Gospel be preached throughout all
the world.

Unite all Christians in Jesus Christ, the true and
only universal Head, in the true Christian and
Catholic faith and love. Cast out heresies and cor-
ruptions, heal divisions, let the strong receive the
weak, and bear their infirmities.

Have mercy upon our rulers ; let them fear Thee,
3*

58 Order of Divine Service.

and be ensamples of piety and temperance, haters of
injustice, covetousness, and pride, and defenders of the
innocent. Let every soul be subject to the higher
powers, and not resist ; let them obey all in authority,
not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake.

Give all Thy Churches able, holy, faithful Pastors,
that may soundly and diligently preach Thy Word,
and guide Thy flock in ways of righteousness and
peace.

Keep us from atheism, idolatry, and rebellion
against Thee ; from infidelity, ungodliness, and sen-
suality ; from security, presumption, and despair.

Keep us from murder and violence, and hurtful,
passionate words and actions. Keep us from all un-
cleanness ; from injustice, false witness, and deceit ;
from slander and uncharitable censure. Keep us from
coveting any thing that is our neighbour's. Cause
us to love Christ in His members with a pure and
fervent love ; to love our enemies, and to do good to
all.

Give us needful sustenance, and contentment there-
with. Bless our labours, and the fruits of the earth
in their season ; and send us such temperate weather
as may tend thereunto. Deliver all Thy servants

Morning of the Lord's Day. 59

from sickness, want, or other distresses, that would
hinder them from Thy service. When we sin, restore
us by true repentance and faith in Christ. May we
loathe ourselves for our transgressions ; forgive them
all, and accept us in Thy well-beloved Son. Save us
from the punishment that our sins deserve. Convert
our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers. Cause us
to watch against temptation, to resist and overcome
the world, the flesh, and the devil. Defend us and
all Thy people from the enmity and rage of Satan ;
and preserve us to Thy heavenly Kingdom.

For Thou only art the Universal King ; all power
is Thine in heaven and in earth ; of Thee, and
through Thee, and to Thee are all things ; and the
glory shall be Thine for ever. Amen.

I believe in God, etc.

^ III.
f\ LORD our God, who hast commanded us to make
^ prayers and supplications for all men : We pre-
sent ourselves before Thy throne to offer up our re-
quests in behalf of all classes and conditions of our
race. Thou, Lord, who art the Maker and Father of
mankind, we beseech Thee for the peace of the whole

60 Order of Divine Service.

world, and the salvation of all people. Deliver from
their blindness the heathen, Mohammedans, and all
unbelievers ; and vouchsafe, according to Thj promises,
to procure the conversion of Thine ancient people, the
Jews : that all nations may know and worship Thee,
and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. King of
kings, Lord of lords, we pray Thee for all rulers and
other persons in offices of dignity and trust. Give the
knowledge of Thyself to such as have it not : and im-
part Thy grace to them that know Thee, that they
may use their authority to the furtherance of Thy
glory. Especially we pray for those who are set in
authority over us. Grant them long life and pros-
perity, wise counsel and good success. Bless the
people of this commonwealth in all their interests,
civil and religious. Diffuse among them the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge
and the fear of Thy Name : that order and harmony
may prevail, and that we may lead a quiet and peace-
able hfe in all godliness and honesty.

We present to thee, 0 Lord, our prayers for the
necessities of Thy holy Church spread abroad through-
out the earth. Be pleased to protect, enlarge, and
^ eanctify it more and more. Deliver the churches that

Morning of the Lord's Day. 61

are persecuted. Remove the errors, scandals, and di-
visions that distract Christendom, and unite all Chris-
tians by the bonds of truth, of godliness, and of peace.
Grant especially Thy blessings upon the churches of
this land, and the churches in this place : bless the
famihes composing them : cause righteousness, and all
holy virtues, to flourish in our midst. -

We pray Thee, 0 God, for all the pastors of Thy
Church ; sanctify them, enlighten them, and aug-
ment in them the gifts needful for the ^promotion of
Thy kingdom, and the salvation of souls intrusted to
their care. Raise up everywhere, and especially
among ourselves, faithful, zealous, humble ministers,
lovers of truth and of peace. And to this end 'impart
Thy grace and Thy fear unto all that are preparing to
serve Thee in the ministry of Thy Word.

0 God of Mercy, have pity on the nations that are
afflicted by war, or any other scourge ; and upon all
persons in any kind of suffering. We commend to
Thy goodness the widows, the orphans, the poor, the
strangers, the friendless ; those that are journeying ;
those that endure persecution for Thy Gospel; all
persons distressed or diseased in mind; the infirm,
the sick, the dying ; and especially our brethren who

62 Order of Divine Service.

are members of this church [and who desire our
prayers]. Assist them in their several necessities,
whether of body or Of soul ; and give them a happy
issue out of all their troubles.

Lord, we beseech Thee for all Thy children : for all
that seek Thee in sincerity of heart, and labour to
promote their own salvation and that of : their fellow-
men ; for all that are engaged in works of piety, and
enterprises for the advancement of Thy Kingdom.
Confirm those that are weak in the Faith ; and to all
that are yet in their sins, under condemnation of Thy
law, give true repentance and conversion unto Thee.

Look favourably upon this community. Grant us
always* that which may be needful for our sustenance ;
and enable us to serve Thee with sobriety, thankful-
ness, and love. Deliver us from our sins ; preserve
us from wicked thoughts, from unbelief, hypocrisy,
and whatever is opposed to Thy holy will. 0 Merci-
f\il God, prevent us ever by Thy grace, and further
us continually by Thy Spirit ; put in our minds right
purposes and pure desires, perfect submission to Thy
providence, fervent love to Thee, and charity that
shall incline us to love and edify one another. De-
tach our hearts from this world of vanity, and help us

Morning of the Lord's Day. 63

to raise them unto heaven, where our treasure is. So
that living in watchfulness and prayer, we may spend
our days in Thy peace, looking for the glorious ap-
pearing of our Lord: that when He shall come to
judge the world, we may stand in Thy presence with-
out shame.

Give ear, 0 Lord, unto the voice of those who have
now offered up their prayers unto Thee : reject not the
unworthy supplications of Thy servants ; but grant us
the blessings we have asked, and all other things ne-
cessary for us, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord :
unto whom, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be
honour and praise for ever. Amen.

Lord ! increase our faith.

I believe in God, etc.

THE

ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE

THE EVENING OF THE LORD'S DAY.

The congregation being assembled, let the Minister begin with the reading
of one of these passages of Scripture, or some other, containing a promise of
the Divine presence.

PREFACE.

rpHUS saith the High and Lofty One that in-
-■- habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell
in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith
God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh ; on my
servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out, in
those days,^of my Spirit : and it shall come to pass,
that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord,
shall be saved.

Where two or three are gathered together in My

Evening of the Lord's Day. 65

name, saith the Lord, there am I in the midst of
them; and whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in
the Son.

Christ is not entered into the holy places made
with hands, which are the figures of the true ; but
into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of
God for us.

Then let Mm add this
INVITATION.

TTAVING therefore this promise, dearly beloved,
-'-'- let us draw near with a true heart, in full
assurance of £iith, and make known our requests
unto God.

Or this:

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.

INVOCATION.

A LMIGHTY God! who hast promised to be prc-
-^ sent with Thy people, and to grant their re-
quests in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son, regard
us, we humbly beseech Thee, with Thy favour, and for

66 Order of Divine Service.

the sake of Him who is our onlj Saviour and Me-
diator with Thee, fulfil Thy promise in our behalf;
that our thoughts being lifted up, and our desires
drawn forth unto Thee, we may render Thee acceptable
worship : Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Then let the Minister ajid people say together
THE lord's prayer.

r\UR FATHER which art in heaven. Hallowed
^ be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day
by day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.

[Here may follow the reading of a selection from the Psalms, by the Minister
and congregation alternately, where such is the practice.]

Then the singing of a . ,

PSALM,

Or Hymn, of Praise and Thanksgiving.
Next the

READING OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

out of the Old and New Testaments.

[See the Tahle of Portions of Scripture to be read in Public Worship.]
Then the following prayer:

Evening of the Loed's Day. 67

the litany.
r\ GOD the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon
^ us.

0 God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy
upon us.

0 God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us.

Be merciful unto us, and spare us, 0 Lord.

Be merciful unto us, and deliver us, 0 Lord.

Erom all sin, from all error, from all evil, from the
wiles of the devil : deliver us, 0 Lord.

From dying suddenly and unprepared ; from pesti-
lence and famine, from war and slaughter, from sedi-
tion and conspiracy, from lightning and tempest,
from everlasting death : deliver us, 0 Lord.

By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, by Thy
holy Nativity, by Thy Baptism, Fasting, and Tempta-
tions : deliver us, 0 Lord.

By Thine Agony and bloody Sweat, by Thy Cross
and Passion, by Thy Death and Burial, by Thy
Resurrection and Ascension, by the coming of the
Holy Ghost the Comforter : deliver us, 0 Lord.

In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our
felicity, in the hour of death, in the day of judgment :
deliver us, 0 Lord.

68 Ordek of Divine Service.

We sinners beseech Thee to hear us :

That it may please Thee to, rule and govern Thy
holy Church Universal.

That it may please Thee to preserve in soundness
of word and holiness of life, all pastors and ministers
of Thy Church.

That it may please Thee to remove all sects and
scandals.

That it may please Thee to bring back into the
way of truth all such as wander and have been led
astray.

That it may please Thee to crush Satan under our
feet.

That it may please Thee to send forth faithful
labourers into Thy harvest.

That it may please Thee to grant the increase of
Thy Word and the fruit of Thy Spirit unto all that
hear.

That it may please Thee to raise the fallen, and
strengthen those that stand.

That it may please Thee to console the weak-heart-
ed, and succour the tempted.

That it may please Thee to give peace and concord
unto all rulers and governors.

Evening of the Lokd's Day. 69

That it may please Thee to guide and protect our
chief magistrate, with all his counsellors.

That it may please Thee to bless and preserve our
people, and all in authority among us.

That it may please Thee to look upon the afflicted,
and those that are in danger ; and to comfort them.

That it may please Thee to succour all women in
the perils of child-birth.

That it may please Thee to cherish and protect
young children, and sick persons.

That it may please Thee to defend and suitably
provide for the orphans and widows.

That it may please Thee to grant freedom unto
captives.

That it may please Thee to have mercy upon all men.

That it may please Thee to forgive our enemies,
persecutors, and slanderers, and to convert them.

That it may please Thee to give and preserve the
fruits of the earth.

That it may please Thee to grant all these our
requests.

We beseech Thee to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world, have mercy upon us.

70 -Order or Divine Service.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world, grant us peace. ' ;

Lord, deal not with us according to our sins, neither
reward us according to our iniquities.

O Ood, Merciful Father, who despisest not the
groans of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of the
sorrowful: Be favourable to our prayers, which, in
our afflictions that continually oppress us, we pour
out before Th^e; and graciously hear them; that
those things which the craft of the devil or of man
worketh against us, may be brought to nought, and
by the counsel of Thy goodness be scattered ; that
being hurt by no persecutions, we may ever give
thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church : Through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

0 God, from whom all holy desires, all good coun-
sels, and all just works proceed : Give unto Thy serv-
ants that peace which the world can not give ; that
both our hearts may be set to obey Thy command-
ments, and also that we, being defended from the fear
of our enemies, may, by Thy protection, pass our
time in rest and quietness : Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Evening of the Lord's Day. 71

After this prayer, let a hymn be sung before the

SERMON.

At the conclusion of which, the following prayer, or the like in effect.

Cl^OSINa PRAYER.

A LMIGHTY God, we humbly beseech Thee that
■^■*- the good seed of Thj Word, now sown among
us, may take such deep root, that neither the burning
heat of affliction may cause it to wither, nor the cares
of this world choke it, but that, as seed sown in good
ground, it may bring forth fruit to Thy praise. And
because for our infirmity we can do nothing without
Thy help, and Thou knowest how many and sore
temptations surround us : Let Thy strength, 0 Lord,
sustain our weakness ; let Thy grace defend us from
all assaults of evil ; increase our faith, that we may
never swerve from Thy commandment ; augment in
us hope and love ; and may no hardness of heart, no
hypocrisy, no lusts of the flesh, no enticements of the
world, cause us to wander from Thy ways. Grant
this, 0 Lord, for the sake of our Advocate and Re-
deemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Tlien let a hymn be sung, after which the congregation shall bo dismissed
with the

72 Order of Divine Service.

BENEDICTION.

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christj and the love
-■- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.

»-

OTHER FORMS

EVENING SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAY.

INVOCATION.
I.

r\ ETERNAL, Almighty, and most Gracious God !
^^ Heaven is Thy throne, and earth is Thy foot-
stool : holy and reverend is Thy Name. We sinners
are bold, through our blessed Mediator, to present
ourselves and our supplications before Thee. Receive
us graciously, help us by Thy Spirit, let Thy fear be
upon us, let Thy Word come unto us in power, and be
received in" love ; cause us to be fervent in prayer,
and joyful in Thy praises, and to serve Thee this day
without distraction, that we may find it good for us to
draw near unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father, etc.

II.
Tj^TERNAL and Invisible God I Infinite in power,
-'-^ wisdom, and goodness, dwelling in the light

74 Ordek of Divine Service. ^i^^

which no man can approach, yet dwelling also with
the humble and contrite, and taking pleasure in Thy
people : Thou hast consecrated for us a new and liv-
ing way, that with boldness we may enter into the
holiest by the blood of Jesus. Behold us at Thy
footstool. Despise us not, though unworthy ; put
Thy fear into our hearts, that with reverence we may
serve Thee ; write Thy laws in our minds, and let us
all be taught of Thee. So may the words of our
mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable
in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Our Father, etc.

Instead of the Litany.
I.

A LMIGHTY God, Most Merciful Father ! We do
-^^ not present ourselves before Thy Majesty trust-
ing in our own merits or worthiness, but in Thy mani-
fold mercies. Thou hast promised to hear our prayers
and to grant our requests, in the Name of Thy beloved
Son Jesus Christ our Lord : Who also hath com-
manded us to assemble in His Name, with full assur-
ance that He will be with us, and, as our Mediator

** Evening of the Lord's Day. 75

and Advocate, obtain all things expedient for our
good. Therefore we beseech Thee, Most Merciful
Father ! turn Thy loving countenance toward us ; im-
pute not unto us our manifold offences, whereby we
justly deserve Thy wrath ; but rather receive us to
Thy mercy for Jesus Christ's sake. Accept His
death and passion for all our trespasses. In Him
alone Thou art well-pleased ; and through Him Thou
canst not be offended with us. And having of Thy
compassion chosen us to be heirs with Him of that im-
mortal Kingdom prepared for us before the foundation
of the world : We beseech Thee to increase our faith
and knowledge, and to lighten our hearts with Thine
Holy Spirit ; that we may live in godly conversation,
and integrity of life.

And because Thou hast bidden us pray for one an-
other, we make request, 0 Lord ! not only for our-
selves, and others whom Thou hast called to the ap-
prehension of Thy will, but for all people and nations
of the world. As they know by Thy wonderful works
that Thou art God over all, so by Thy Holy Spirit
may they learn to believe in Christ, their only Sa-
viour and Redeemer. But since they cannot believe
except they hear, nor hear but by preaching, and

76 Ordek of Divine Service.

none can preach except they be sent : Raise up, 0
Lord ! faithful distributors of Thy Mysteries, who,
setting aside all worldly considerations, may both in
their life and in their doctrine seek only Thy glory.
Maintain Thy cause against all opposition ; and
strengthen all Thy servants : let not our sins and
wickedness prove a hindrance to the spread of Thy
Truth ; but speedily, 0 Lord ! regard the afflictions
of Thy Church ; and make haste to save us. Arise,
0 Lord ! and let Thine enemies be ashamed ; let them
flee from Thy presence that hate Thy holy Name ; let
the groans of the prisoners come up before Thee ; and
preserve by Thy power such as are appointed to die.
Let not Thy foes triumph to the end ; but let them
understand that against Thee they fight ; behold and
defend the vine that Thy right hand hath planted ;
and let all nations see the glory of Thine Anointed.
Let Thy mighty hand and outstretched arm be ever
our defence ; Thy mercy and loving-kindness in Christ
our salvation ; Thy true and holy Word our instruc-
tion ; Thy grace and Holy Spirit our consolation, unto
the end. Grant these our requests, 0 Father ! and
all other things needful for us and Thy whole Church;
according to Thy promise in Jesus Christ our Lord :

Evening of the Lords Day. 77

unto whonij with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all
honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

II.
A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father ! We in-
■^^ voke Thy Name, and beseech Thee to turn
away Thy face from our manifold sins and transgres-
sions, whereby we have not ceased to draw Thine an-
ger upon us. And because we are most unworthy to
appear before Thy sovereign Majesty, be pleased to
regard us only in Thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ ;
accepting the merits of His death in satisfaction for all
our offences, that by His atonement we may become
well-pleasing in Thy sight. Pour upon us Thy Holy
Spirit, illuminating our minds in the true understand-
ing of Thy Word ; and bestow upon us grace, that re-
ceiving Thy Truth into our hearts with humility and
fear, we may be led to put all our trust in Thee only,
and live in Thy service and worship, to the glory of
Thy holy Name. These benefits we ask, not only for
ourselves, but also for all people and nations on the
earth. Bring back, 0 Lord, into the right way of
salvation, all poor captives of ignorance and false doc-
trine. Raise up true and faithful ministers of the

78 Order of DivineService.

Wordj who shall seek not their own ease and ambition,
but the exaltation of Th j Name, and the safety of Thy
flock. Remove and scatter all sects, heresies, and
errors, which are the nurseries of strife and dissension
in Thy Church ; and may all Thy people be of one
mind, and live in brotherly union. Rule Thou and
govern with Thy Spirit all kings, princes, and magis-
trates, who hold the administration of the sword ; that
their dominion may be exercised, not in avarice, cruelty,
and oppression, or any other evil and inordinate affection,
but in all justice and uprightness. May we also, liv-
ing under them, pay them due honour and reverence,
and lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and
honesty. Comfort all distressed and afflicted persons,
whom Thou dost visit with any kind of cross or tribu-
lation ; the nations whom Thou dost chasten with war,
pestilence, famine, or any other plague ; and all men
whom Thou dost afflict with poverty, imprisonment,
sickness, banishment, or any other distress of body or
infirmity of mind. Grant them firm patience under
their trials, and speedily bring them out of their afflic-
tions. Confirm and strengthen all Thy faithful chil-
dren, who in any place are suffering persecution for
the testimony of Thy heavenly Truth. Give them

Evening of the Lord's Day. 79

stedfast constancy ; console them ; suffer not the rage
of rapacious wolves to prevail against them ; but en-
able them to glorify Thy Name, as well in life as in
death. Preserve and defend all Thy Churches which
at this day are labouring and fighting for the testimony
of Thy blessed Name. Defeat and overturn all the
counsels of their enemies, their machinations and de-
vices. So may Thy glory be revealed, and the King-
dom of our Lord Jesus Christ more and more in-
creased and promoted. All this we ask of Thee in the
name of our Sovereign Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

III.

(Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer.)

/^UR Father which art in heaven ! We draw near to
^ Thee with assured confidence through Thy be-
loved Son ; earnestly beseeching that Thy great and
holy Name may be glorified in every place. Extend Thy
dominion over all the earth : leading Thy people by
the sceptre of Thy Word, and the power of Thy
Spirit : and confounding all Thine enemies by the
might of Thy justice and Thy truth. Be pleased to
rule over and conduct us ; that we may daily learn
more and more to submit ourselves to Thy Majesty, as

80 Oeder of Divine Service.

our Governor and King. Destroy every power and
principality opposed to Thy glory, until Thy Kingdom
be perfectly established, and Thou appear for judg-
ment in the person of Thy Son. Great God ! make
us able and willing to render Thee true and perfect
obedience on earth, as do Thy heavenly angels, that
seek only to execute Thy commands. Thus may Thy
will without contradiction be fulfilled ; and all men
submit to Thee, renouncing their own purposes, and
all the affections of the flesh.

Grant also, good Lord ! that we, walking in the
fear and love of Thy holy Name, may through Thy
goodness be nourished day by day ; and receive at Thy
hands all things expedient and necessary for us, that
we may use Thy gifts in quietness and peace. And
observing Thy care of us, may we better acknowledge
Thee to be our Father, expect all benefits at Thy
hands only ; and withdrawing our confidence from
creatures, place it wholly in Thy favour and Thy
love. . - -

And l>ecause in this mortal life we are prone to
wander from the right way, and do continually come
short of our duty : We beseech Thee, Lord ! forgive
our faults, by which we have deserved Thy chastise-

Evening of the Lord's Day. 81

ment; deliver us from that everlasting death unto
which we are justly exposed ; impute not unto us the
evil that dwells within us : and even so may we, ac-
cording to Thj command, forgive the trespasses of
others, and do good unto our enemies, rather than
seek their hurt.

Finally, 0 Lord ! Vouchsafe to uphold us hence-
forth by Thy power, lest we fall through the weakness
of the flesh. And since of ourselves we are frail, and
beset with foes, the world, the flesh, and the devil,
that cease not to war against us : Be pleased to fortify
us with Thy Spirit, and arm us with Thy grace ; may
we withstand all manner of temptation, and gain full
victory in our spiritual warfare ; so that at last we
may triumph eternally in Thy Kingdom, with our
Sovereign Head and Captain, Jesus Christ Thy Son.
Amen.

IV.

r\ LORD our God, Father Everlasting and full of

^^ compassion ! Hear from the heavens our prayers

and supplications, which we pour forth before Thy

throne. In the multitude of Thy mercies Thou hast

not only created us reasonable creatures, but also of

Thine inestimable goodness Thou hast sent the great

82 Oeder of Divine Service.

Angel of the Covenant, our Lord Jesus Christ, to re-
deem us. Bj Him Thy wrath is taken away, the
Law is satisfied, the power of death, of hell, and of
Satan is broken. Behold, when we lay in the shadow
of death, in fearful darkness of the soul. Thou madest
the light of Thy Gospel to shine upon us, showing us
the way to life everlasting. With these spiritual
benefits, it hath pleased Thee to continue temporal
blessings. Thou hast been our hope, our fortress, ajid
our God. Thou hast covered us with Thy feathers,
and under Thy wings Thou hast made us to trust.
Grant us, 0 Merciful Father, thankful hearts for
these Thy manifold favours. Open our mouths to
sound forth Thy praise, and ofier the sacrifice of
thanksgiving, wherein Thou dost delight. And we
most humbly beseech Thee, give us unfeigned repent-
ance for our past unthankfulness to Thee ; create in
us new hearts, work in us sorrow for our sins, and
hatred of the same, and a hearty love unto Thy right-
eousness : that we, being not conformed unto this
wicked world, but making Thy will the order of our
life, may ofier ourselves up a living sacrifice unto
Thee, consecrating to Thy glory both body and soul,
with all our powers.

Evening of the Lord's Day. 83

Preserve us, good Lord, from the thraldom of sin
and the bondage of unbelief Continue the light of
Thy glorious Gospel among us. Purge our land of all
violence, uncleanness, oppression, and every other evil
that defiles Thine inheritance. Arm us Thy servants
with Thy power, to strive against Satan, the flesh, and
the world, and all things that would beguile us from
our allegiance unto Thee : That, walking in Thy
paths, and obeying Thy blessed ordinances, we may
end our lives to the honour of Thy Name, and attain
that immortality and crown of glory laid up for Thine
elect in Jesus Christ, the God of immortality and the
King of glory. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER.
I.

TT7"E most humbly beseech Thee, 0 Father of Mercy,
' ^ for Jesus Christ Thy Son's sake, that as Thou
hast caused the light of Thy Word clearly to shine
among us, and hast plainly instructed us by the exter-
nal Ministry in the right way of salvation : So it may
please Thee inwardly to move our dull hearts ; and by
the power of Thy Holy Spirit to write and seal in
them that holy fear and reverence which Thou requir-

84 Order of Divine Service.

est of Thy chosen. Grant us faithful obedience to Thy
holy will, together with the sense that our sins are
fully purged and freely remitted, by that One Sacrifice
which alone is acceptable to Thee ; the obedience,
death, and mediation of Thy Son, our sovereign Lord,
our only Shepherd and High Priest, Jesus Christ ; to
whom with Thee and with the Holy Ghost, be all hon-
our and glory, world without end. Amen.

II.
f\ GOD, who hast given us Thy Holy Scriptures for
^ our instruction, we beseech Thee by Thy grace
to enlighten our minds and cleanse our hearts ; that
we, having read, heard, and meditated upon them, may
rightly understand and heartily embrace the things
Thou hast revealed. Give efficacy to the preaching of
the Gospel, that through the operation of the Holy
Ghost, this good seed may be received into our hearts
as into good ground ; and that we may not only hear
Thy Word but keep it, living in conformity with Thy
precepts ; so that we may finally attain everlasting
salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Evening of the Lord's Day. 85

III.
r\ HEAVENLY Father ! Thy Word is perfect, con-
^-^ verting the soul ; a sure testimony, making wise
the simple ; enlightening the ejes of the blind ; and
a powerful mean of salvation for all that believe.
Help us, Thine unworthy servants, whether we teach,
or whether we be taught, to learn of Thee. We are
blind by nature, wholly incapable of doing any good ;
and Thou wilt help none but those that are of a broken
and contrite heart. We beseech Thee to enlighten
our understanding with Thy Holy Spirit, and give us
a meek heart, free from all haughtiness and carnal
knowledge ; that, hearing Thy Word, we may rightly
understand it, and rule our lives accordingly. Be
graciously pleased to convert all those who yet stray
from Thy truth ; that we, together with them, may
unanimously serve Thee in holiness and righteousness
all the days of our life. We ask all things for the
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord : To whom, with Thee
and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and praise ever-
more. Amen.

>J--

THE

MANNER OF CELEBRATING

THE SACRAMENT OP

THE LORD'S SUPPER.

THE

MANNER OF CELEBRATING

THE SACRAMENT OP

THE LORD'S SUPPER.

"The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently;
but how often, may be determined by the Minister and Eldership of each con-
gregation, as they may judge most for edification.

" The ignorant and scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper.

" It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least
the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that either then,
or on some day of the week, the people should be instructed in its nature, and
a due preparation for it ; that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy
feast."

The service may be introduced by the singing of a Sacramental Hymn, fol-
lowed by this prayer :

• INVOCATION.

A LMIGHTY God ! whose well-beloved Son hath
-^ once offered up His body and blood on the
Cross for the remission of our sins, and now vouch-
safes them for our meat and drink unto life eternal :
Grant us grace with pure hearts and fervent desires
to accept this great blessing at Thy hands. May we
by lively faith partake of His body and blood, yea, of
Himself, true God and man, that only bread from

90 The Mannee of Celebeating

heaven, that giveth life unto our souls. Suffer us no
longer to live unto ourselves, according to the inclina-
tions of a corrupt and sinful nature ; but may He live
in us, and lead us to the life that is holy, blessed, and
unchangeable for ever. Thus may we be partakers of
the new and everlasting Testament, which is the
Covenant of grace. And thus assure us of Thy wil-
lingness ever to be our gracious Father ; not imputing
to us our sins, but as Thy beloved heirs and children,
providing us with all things needful for our good,
that both by our works and words we may magnify
Thy Name. Fit us, 0 heavenly Father ! at this time
so to celebrate the blessed remembrance of Thy
beloved Son. .Enable us profitably to contemplate
His love, and show forth the benefits of His death ;
that receiving fresh increase of strength in Thy
faith, and in all good works, we may with greater con-
fidence call Thee our Father, and evermore rejoice
in Thee : Through Jesus Christ our Kedeemer.
Amen.

the creed.

To be said by the Minister and People.

T ET us now make profession of our faith in the
-*^ doctrine of the Christian religion, wherein we

The Lord's Supper. 91

do all purpose, hj the grace of God, to live and to
die.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only Son
our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended
into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead ;
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe
in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Catholic Church, the
Communion of Saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the
resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting.
Amen.

" Then the Minister shall show that this is an ordinance of Christ ; by read-
ing the words of institution, either from one of the evangelists, or from 1 Cor.
xi. ; which as to him may appear expedient he may explain and apply : that it
Is to be observed in remembrance of Christ, to show forth His death till lie
come; that it is of inestimable benefit, to strengthen His people against sin;
to support them under troubles ; to encourage and quicken them in duty ; to
inspire them with love and zeal ; to increase their faith and holy resolution ;
and to beget peace of conscience, and comfortable hopes of eternal life.

" He is to warn the profane, the ignorant, scandalous, and those that secretly
indulge themselves in any known sin, not to approach the Holy Table. On
the other hand, he shall invite to this Holy Table such as, sensible of their lost
and helpless state by sin, depend upon the Atonement of Christ for pardon
and acceptance with God ; such as, being Instructed in the Gospel doctrine,
have a competent knowledge to discern the Lord's Body, and such as desire to
renounce their sins, and are determined to lead a holy and godly life."

92 The Manner of Celebrating

THE WORDS OF THE INSTITUTION.

A TTEND to the words of the institution of the
-^■^ Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, as thej

.^rv are delivered by the Apostle Paul.

^^ For I have received of the Lord that which also
I delivered unto you. That the Lord Jesus, the
same night in which He was betrayed, took bread:
and when He had given thanks, He brake it, a,nd said,
Take, eat ; this is my body, which is broken for you :
this do in remembrance of me. After the same man-
ner also. He took the cup, when He had supped, say-
ing, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this
do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do show the Lord's death till He come. Where-
fore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this
cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine
himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of
that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unwor-
thily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not
discerning the Lord's body.

The Lord's Supper. 93

the exhortation.

"ITrE have heard, brethren, after what manner our
^ ' Lord celebrated the Supper among His disci-
ples ; and have seen that those who are not of the
company of the faithful, may not approach this feast.
Wherefore, in compliance with this rule, in the Name
and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I warn
all idolaters, blasphemers, despisers of God, heretics,
all that are rebellious, seditious, contentious, injurious,
and all that lead corrupt and wicked lives, to abstain
from this Table, lest they pollute the sacred food
which our Lord gives only to His people. Let each
of you, then, according to St. Paul's exhortation,
examine and prove his own conscience, to know
whether he have true repentance, and sorrow for his
sins ; whether he desires to lead henceforth a holy and
godly life ,• above all, whether he puts his whole trust
in the mercy of God, and seeks his whole salvation in
Jesus Christ ; and renouncing all enmity and malice,
doth truly and honestly purpose to live in harmony
and brotherly love with his neighbour.

If we have this testimony in our hearts before God,
we may not doubt that He adopts us for His children,

94 The Manner of Celebrating

and that our Lord Jesus addresseth to us His word,
admitting us to this Table, and presenting us with
this holy Sacrament, which He designs for His fol-
lowers alone. And although we may be conscious
of many infirmities and miseries in ourselves, as
namely, that we have not perfect faith, and that
we have not given ourselves to serve God with such
zeal as we are bound to do, but have daily to battle
with the lusts of our flesh : Yet, since the Lord hath
been graciously pleased to print His Gospel upon our
hearts, and hath enabled us to resist unbelief; and
hath given us an earnest desire to renounce our own
thoughts, and follow His righteousness and His holy
commandments : Therefore we rest assured, that
these remaining sins and imperfections do not prevent
us from being received of God, and made worthy
partakers of this spiritual food. For we do not
come to this Supper to testify hereby that we are
perfect and righteous in ourselves : but, on the con-
trary, seeking our life in Jesus Christ, we acknowl-
edge that we lie in the midst of death. Let us, then,
regard this Sacrament as a medicine for those who are
spiritually diseased ; and consider, that all the worthiness
our Lord requires, is, that we truly know ourselves,

The Lord's Supper. 95

be sorry for our sins, and find our pleasure, joy, and
satisfaction in Him above.

First, tben, we should believe this promise, which
Christ, who is Infallible Truth, has pronounced with
His own lips : That He is truly willing to make us
partakers of His own body and blood, in order that
we may wholly possess Him, that He may live in us,
and we in Him. And although you see here only the
Bread and Wine, doubt not that He will accomplish
spiritually in your souls all that He outwardly ex-
hibits by these visible signs : He will manifest Him-
self to be the heavenly Bread, to feed and nourish
you unto eternal life. Be not unthankful for the in-
finite goodness of your Lord, who displays at this
Table the riches of His love, to distribute them among
you. For, in giving Himself to us, He testifies that
all He has is ours. Let us also receive this Sacra-
ment as a pledge, that the virtue of His death and
passion is imputed unto us for righteousness ; even as
though we had suffered in our own persons the pen-
alty of our guilt. Let no man perversely draw back,
when Jesus gently invites him by His Word. But,
considering the dignity of His precious gift, let us
present ourselves to Him with fervent zeal, that He

96 The Manner of Celebrating

may make us capable of receiving His proffered
grace.

And noAV to this end lift up your minds and hearts
on high, where Christ abideth in the glory of His
Father, whence we expect His coming at our redemp-
tion, Dwell not on these earthly and corruptible ele-
ments, which we see present to our eyes, and feel with
our hands, to seek Him in them, as though He were
enclosed in the bread or in the wine. Be satisfied to
have this bread and this wine for witnesses and signs ;
seeking spiritually the truth where God's Word hath
promised that we shall find it. For then only shall
our souls be disposed to receive food and life from His
substance, when they shall be thus raised above all
worldly things, even unto heaven, and enter into the
kingdom of God, where He dwells.

"The table on -which the elements are placed being decently covered, the
bread in convenient dishes, and the wine in cups, and the commnnicants or-
derly and gravely sitting around the table, (or in their seats before it,) in the
presence of the Minister : let him set the elements apart, by prayer and thanks-
giving."

THE CONSECRATING PRAYER.

T ORD God! Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
-*-^ Thou who art infinite goodness, and perfect love !
We bring to Thee the sacrifice of our praise, and the

The Lord's Supper. 97

offering of our thanks, for Thine inestimable gift in
sending Thy Son into the world ; for delivering Him
up to die for us all ; and for inviting us to participate
in the fruits of His atonement, at the Table of this
holy feast. Lord ! what are we, to receive such price-
less benefits at Thy hand ? or how shall we worthily
show forth our gratitude to Thee ? The heavens and
the earth, 0 Lord! are full of the tokens of Thy
bounty : but especially dost Thou manifest Thy love,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Accept, 0 Lord our God ! the homage of Thine ador-
ing people. And grant that we, partaking of this
holy Sacrament, to which we are welcomed by Thy
grace, may now join ourselves by the bonds of living
faith and true holiness to our Saviour : so that we may
not henceforth live unto ourselves, but that He may
live in us, and lead us to that blessed life that shall have
no end. ,. .

Father of Mercies ! who didst not spare Thine only-
begotten Son, but deliveredst Him to death for us all ;
and hast brought us into fellowship with Him, that we
might obtain everlasting life : We Thy servants, with a
lively sense of Thy precious gift, do now consecrate our-
selves entirely unto Thee. We present to Thee our

98 The Mannek of Celebrating

bodies, and our souls, in a living and holy sacrifice. And
since Thou hast loved us so much, we acknowledge
ourselves constrained to love one another. Impress
our hearts, 0 God ! with these holy inclinations : that
so celebrating the remembrance of Thy dear Son, our
faith may grow strong, our charity increase, our sanc-
tification advance and be made complete, until we be
meet for the inheritance of Thy saints in light ever-
lasting. Hear us, 0 Father of Mercies ! we ask all
in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord : unto whom, as unto Thee, and the Holy Ghost,
one God, be honour, praise, and glory, now, henceforth,
and for ever. Amen.

" The Bread and Wine being tlins set apart by prayer and thanksgiving, the
Minister is to take the Bread and break it, in the view of the people, saying:

/^UR Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which
^^ He was betrayed, having taken bread, and
blessed and broken it, gave it to His disciples ; as I,
ministering in His Name, give this bread unto you :
saying, \here the bread is to he distributed,'] Take,
eat : this is My body, which is broken for you : this
do in remembrance of Me.

" After having given the Broad, he shall take the Cup, and say:

The Lord's Supper. 99

A FTER the same manner our Saviour also took the
-^■^ cup; and' having given thanks, as hath been
done in His Name, He gave it to the disciples ; say-
ing, \Jiere the cup is to be given,^ This cup is the new
testament in My blood, which is shed for many, for
the remission of sins : drink ye all of it. For as often
as ye eat this bread, -and drink this cup, ye do show
the Lord's death till He come.

" The Minister himself is to communicate, at such time as may appear to him
most convenient."

SENTENCES,

Which may be repeated by the Minister, at intervals of silence, during the
participation.

rpHE Bread which we break, is the communion of
J- the Body of Christ.

I am the Bread of life, saith Jesus : he that cometh
to Me shall never hunger ; and he that bclieveth on
Me shall never thirst.

The Son of Man came, to give His life a ransom for
many.

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was
bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our
peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are
healed.

100 The Manner of Celebrating

He was oppressed, and He was afflicted; yet He
opened not His mouth.

Surely !He hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows.

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta-
tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners ; of whom I am the chief

Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon
you, and learn of Him : for He is meek and lowly in
heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

And now, little children, abide in Him ; that when
He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be
ashamed at His coming.

rpHE Cup of Blessing which we bless, is the commu-
-^ nion of the Blood of Christ.

I am the Vine, saith Jesus, ye ' are the branches ;
abide in Me and I in you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay
down his life for his friends : ye are My friends, if ye
do whatsoever I command you.

The Lord's Supper. 101

God so loved the world, that He gave His onlj-
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He
laid down His life for us : and we ought to lay down
our lives for the brethren. ^

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be-
stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of
God.

We know that when He shall appear, we shall be
like Him : for we shall see Him as He is.

It is a faithful saying, If we be dead with Him, we
shall also live with Him : if we suffer, we shall also
reign with Him.

Fear not, little flock : it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en-
tered into the heart of men, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love Him.

Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come,
and will not tarry. Even so, come. Lord Jesus.

" Then tlio Minister is to pray and give thanks to God.

102 The Mannek of Celebeating

THANKSGIVINa.

TJEAVENLY Father! we give Thee immortal
-*-^ praise and thanks, that upon us poor sinners
Thou hast conferred so rich a benefit, as to bring us
into the communion of Thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Him having delivered up to death for us,
Thou hast given for our food and nourishment unto
eternal life. Now also grant us grace, that we* may
never be unmindful of these things ; but carrying them
about engraven on our hearts, may advance and grow
in that faith which is effectual unto every good work.
Thus may the rest of our lives be ordered and followed
out to Thy glory, and the good of our fellow-men :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord : "Who with Thee, 0
Father ! and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth in
the unity of the Godhead, world without end. Amen.

" The collection for tlie poor, and to defray tlie expense of the elements, may
be made after this ; or at such other time as may seem meet to the eldership."

sentences,

Which may be read during the collection for the poor.

■p EMEMBER the words of the Lord Jesus, how He
-*-^ said. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,

The Lokd's Supper. 103

though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
that ye through His poverty might be rich.

To do good and to communicate forget not : for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity : for
God loveth a cheerful giver.

If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted accord-
ing to that a man hath, and not according to that he
hath not.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He
said, Ye have the poor with you always, and when-
soever ye will ye may do them good.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good
unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
Household of Faith.

For the administration of this service not only sup-
plieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by
many thanksgivings unto God.

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and la-
bour of love, which ye have showed toward His
Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and
do minister.

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

104 The Lord's Supper.

"Now let a Psalm or nymn be sung, and the congregation dismissed, with
the following, or some other Gospel"

BENEDICTION.

1VT0 W the God of Peace, that brought again from
-^^ the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do
His Tvill, working in you that which is well-pleasing
in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

OTHER FORMS

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

EXHORTATION.

"TvEARLY BELOVED in the Lord, forasmuch as
-*-^ we are now assembled to celebrate the holy
Communion of the body and blood of our Saviour
Christ, let us consider these words of St. Paul, how
he exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine
themselves, before they presume to eat of that bread,
and to drink of that cup. For, as the benefit is great,
if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we re-
ceive that holy sacrament, for then we spiritually eat
the flesh of Christ, and drink His blood ; then we
dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we be one with
Christ, and Christ with us : So is the danger great if
we receive the same unworthily; for then we be
guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour ;

106 Other Forms of Celebrating

we eat and drink our own condemnation, not discern-
ing the Lord's body; we kindle God's wrath against
us, and provoke His punishment upon us.

And, therefore, in the Name, and by the authority
of the Eternal God, and of His Son Jesus Christ, I
separate from this Table all blasphemers of God, all
idolaters, all that be in malice or envy, all persons
disobedient to father or mother, and finally all such as
live a life directly fighting against the will ^f God :
charging them, as they will answer in the presence of
Him who is the righteous Judge, that they presume
not to profane this most holy Table.

And yet this I pronounce not to exclude any peni-
tent person, how grievous soever his sins before have
been, so that he feel in his heart unfeigned repentance
for the same : but only such as continue in sin with-
out repentance. Neither yet is this pronounced
against such as aspire to a greater perfection than
they can in this present life attain. For, albeit we
feel in ourselves much frailty and wretchedness, as
that we have not faith so perfect and constant as we
ought, being many times ready to distrust God's
goodness, through our corrupt nature ; and also that
we are not so thoroughly given to serve God, neither

The Lord's Supper. 107

have we so fervent a zeal to set forth His glory, as our
duty requireth ; feeling still such rebellion in our-
selves, that we have need daily to fight against the
lusts of the flesh : yet, nevertheless, seeing that our
Lord hath dealt thus mercifully with us, that He hath
printed His Gospel in our hearts, so that we are pre-
served from falling into despair and unbelief; and
seeing that He hath endued us with a will and desire
to renounce and withstand our own affections, with a
longing for His righteousness, and the keeping of His
commandments : We may be now right well assured,
that these failures and manifold imperfections shall be
no such hiDdrance against us, as that He should not
accept us, and count us worthy to come to His spirit-
ual Table. For the end of our coming is not to pro-
test that we are just and upright in our lives ; but
contrariwise, we come to seek our life and perfection
in Jesus Christ ; acknowledging in the meantime that
of ourselves we are children of wrath and condem-
nation.

Let us then consider this Sacrament as a precious
medicine for all poor sick creatures, a comfortable help
for weak souls ; and that our Lord requireth no other
worthiness on our part, than this : that we unfeignedly

108 Other Forms of Celebrating

acknowledge our sinfulness and imperfection. Then
to the end that we may be worthy partakers of His
merits and most comfortable benefits, which is the
true eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood,
let us not suffer our minds to wander about the con-
sideration of these earthly and corruptible things,
which we see present to our eyes and feel with our
hands ; to seek Christ bodily present in them, as if
He were enclosed in the bread and wine, or as if these
elements were turned and ghanged into the substance
of His flesh and blood. But as the only way to dis-
pose our souls to receive nourishment, relief, and
quickening by His substance, let us lift up our minds
by faith above all things worldly and sensible, and
thereby enter into heaven, that we may find and re-
ceive Christ where He dwelleth undoubtedly, very
God and very man, in the incomprehensible glory of
His Father : to Whom be all praise, honour, and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.

CONSECRATING PRAYER.

r\ FATHER of Mercy, and God of all consola-
^^ tion ! Thou whom all creatures acknowledge
and confess as Governor and Lord : It becomes us,

The Lord's Supper. 109

the workmanship of Thy hands, at all times to
reverence and magnify Thy holy Majesty : for that
Thou hast created us in Thine image ; but chiefly
that Thou hast delivered us from everlasting death
and condemnation, whereunto we were drawn by
means of sin : from the bondage whereof neither man
nor angel was able to set us free. And we do
praise Thee, 0 Lord I that rich in mercy, and in-
finite in goodness. Thou has provided our redemption
to stand in Thine only and well-beloved Son : Whom
of very love Thou didst give to be made man like
unto us in all things, sin excepted ; in His body to
receive the punishment of our transgression : by His
death to make satisfaction to Thy justice ; and through
His resurrection to destroy him that was the author
of death, and so to bring again life to the world, from
which the whole ofispring of Adam most justly was
exiled.

0 Lord I we acknowledge that no creature is able
to comprehend the length and breadth, the depth and
height, of that Thy most excellent love : which moved
Thee to show mercy where none was deserved; to
promise and give life where death hath gotten the
victory ; to receive us again into Thy favour, when we

110 Other Forms of Celebrating

could do nothing but rebel against Thy law. 0 I^ord !
the blind dulness of our corrupt nature will not suffer
us sufficiently to weigh these Thy most ample benefits.
Yet, nevertheless, at the command of Jesus Christ
our Lord, we present ourselves at this His Table,
which He hath left to be used in remembrance of His
death, until His coming again : to dedicate ourselves
unto His service, renewing our vows, and engaging
henceforth to obey His will ; to declare and witness
before the world, that by Him alone Thou dost ac-
knowledge us Thy children ; that by Him alone we
have access to Thy throne of grace; that by Him
alone we are brought into His spiritual Kingdom, to
eat and drink at His Table ; with Whom we have our
conversation even now in heaven ; and by Whom our
bodies shall be raised up again from the dust, and
shall be placed with Him in that endless joy, which
Thou, 0 Father of Mercy ! hadst prepared for Thine
elect before the foundation of the world was laid.
And these most inestimable benefits, we acknowledge
to have received of Thy free mercy and grace, by
Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord :
for the which, therefore, we. Thy congregation, moved
by Thy Holy Spirit, will render all thanks, praise, and
glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Loed's Supper. Ill

: THANKSGIVING.

11 /TOST Merciful Father ! we render Thee all praise,
•^^-*- thanks, and glory, for that it hath pleased Thee,
of Thy great mercies, to grant us, miserable sinners,
so excellent a gift, as to receive nis into the fellowship
and company of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord :
Whom Thou hast delivered to death for us, and given
as our needful food and nourishment unto everlasting
life. And now we beseech Thee also. Heavenly
Father ! to grant our prayer, that Thou wilt never
suffer us to forget these worthy benefits ; but rather
imprint and fasten them surely in our hearts, that we
may grow and increase daily more and more in that
true faith, which is continually exercised in all man-
ner of good works. Confirm us, 0 Lord ! that we
may stand immoveable in the profession of Thy Name,
to the advancement of Thy glory, who art God over
all things, blessed for ever. So be it. Amen.

II.

EXHORTATION.

'TT'OU are invited hither, dear Brethren, to be guests

-*- at this holy Table, by the Lord's command ; to

receive the greatest mercy, and to perform the greatest

112 OtherFormsof Celebrating

duty. On Christ's part all things are made ready.
The feast is prepared for you, even for you that by sin
have deserved to be cast out of the presence of the
Lord ; for you that have so oft neglected and abused
mercy : a feast of the body and blood of Christ, free to
you, but dear to Him. You were lost, and in the way
to be lost for ever ; when by the greatest miracle of
condescending love. He sought and saved you. You
were dead in sin, condemned by the law, the slaves of
Satan; there wanted nothing but the executing stroke
of justice to have sent you into endless misery : when
our Kedeemer pitied you in your blood, and shed His
own to wash and heal you. He suffered who was of-
fended, that the offender might not suffer. He cried
out on the cross, My God, my God, why hast Thou
forsaken me ? that we, who had deserved it, might not
be everlastingly forsaken. He died, that we might
live. 0, how should this mercy of redemption affect
you ! See here Christ dying, in this holy representa-
tion ! Behold the sacrificed Lamb of God, that taketh
away the sin of the world. It is His will to be thus
frequently crucified before our eyes. 0, how should
we be covered with shame, and loathe ourselves, who
have both procured the death of Christ by sin, and sin-

The Lord's Supper. 113

ned against it. And how should we all be filled with
joy, who have such mysteries of mercy opened, and so
great salvation freely offered to us. 0, then, hate sin.
0, love this Saviour. See that you come not hither with-
out a desire to be more holy ; nor with a purpose to go
on in wilful sin. Be not deceived, God is not mocked.
But if you heartily repent, and consent to the cove-
nant, come, and welcome. We have commission from
Christ to tell you that you are welcome. Let no
trembling, contrite soul draw back, that is willing to be
Christ's, upon His covenant terms : but believe that
Christ is much inore willing to be yours. He was first
willing, and therefore died for you, and made the cove-
nant of grace, and sent to invite and importune you to
consent, and stayed for you so long, and gave you your
repentance, your willingness, and desire. Question not
then His willingness, if you are willing : it is Satan
and unbelief that would have you question it, to the
injury both of Christ and you. Come near, observe,
believe, and wonder at the riches of His love and grace :
for He hath Himself invited you to see and taste, that
you might wonder. You are sinners : but He inviteth
you to receive a renewed, sealed pardon of your sins,
and promises to give you more of His Spirit to overcome

114 Othee Fokms of Celebrating

them. See here His broken body and His blood, the tes-
timonies of His willingness. Thus hath He sealed the
covenant, which pardoneth all your sins, and secureth
to you your reconciliation with God, and your adop-
tion, and your right to everlasting blessedness. Deny
not your consent, but heartily give up yourselves to
Christ : and then doubt not that your scarlet, crimson
sins shall be made as white as wool or snow. Object
not the number or greatness of them against His grace :
there is none too great for Him to pardon to penitent
believers. But strive you then for great loathing of
your sins, and greater love to such a God, and greater
thanks to such a Saviour. Unfeignedly say, I am
willing, Lord, to be wholly Thine : and then believ-
ingly take Christ, and pardon, and life, as given you
by His own appointment in the sealed covenant. And
remember that He is coming. He is coming with
thousands of His mighty angels, to execute judgment
on the ungodly ; but to be glorified in His saints, and
admired in all that do believe. And then we shall
have greater things than these. Then shall you see
all the promises fulfilled, which now are sealed to you,
on which He causeth you to trust. Eevive now your
love to one another, and forgive those that have

' ■ The Lord's Supper. 115

wronged yoUj and delight in the communion of saints :
and then you shall be admitted into the Church tri-
umphant, where, with perfect saints, you shall per-
fectly rejoice, and love and praise the Lord for ever.
Receive now a crucified Christ here represented, and
be content to take up your cross, and follow Him.
And then you shall reign with a glorified Christ, in
the blessed vision and fruition of that God, to whom
by Christ you are now reconciled. Let faith and love
be working upon these things, whilst you are at this
holy Table.

CONSECRATING PRAYER.

A LMIGHTY God, Thou art the Creator and the
■^^ Lord of all things. Thou art the sovereign Maj-
esty whom we have ofiended. Thou art our most lov-
ing and merciful Father, who hast given Thy Son to
reconcile us to Thyself: who hath ratified the new
testament and covenant of grace with His most precious
blood ; and hath instituted this holy Sacrament to be
celebrated in remembrance of Him till His coming.
Sanctify these Thy creatures of bread and wine, which
according to Thy institution and command we set apart

116 Other Forms of Celebrating

to this holy use, that they may be sacramentally the
body and blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ.

Most merciful Saviour, as Thou hast loved us to
the death, and suffered for our sins, the just for the
unjust, and hast instituted this holy ordinance to be
used in remembrance of Thee till Thy coming : We
beseech Thee, by Thine intercession with the Father,
through the sacrifice of Thy body and blood, give us
the pardon of our sins, and Thy quickening Spirit,
without which the flesh will profit us nothing. Re-
concile us to the Father ; nourish us as Thy members
to everlasting life.

Most Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and
the Son ; by whom Christ was conceived ; by whom
the prophets and apostles were inspired, and the minis-
ters of Christ are qualified and called ; Thou that
dwellest and workest in all the members of Christ,
whom thou sanetifiest to the image and for the service
of their Head, and comfortest that they may show forth
His praise : Illuminate us, that by faith we may see
Him who is here represented to us. Soften our
hearts, and humble us for our sins. Sanctify and
quicken us, that we may relish the spiritual food, and
feed on it to our nourishment and growth in grace.

The Lord's Supper. 117

Shed abroad the love of God upon our hearts, and
draw them out in love to Him. Fill us with thank-
fulness and holy joy, and with love to one another.
Comfort us bj witnessing that we are the children of
God. Confirm us for new obedience. Be Thou the earn-
est of our inheritance, and seal us unto everlasting life.
- Accept us, 0 Lord ! who resign ourselves unto
Thee as Thine own ; and with our thanks and praise,
present ourselves a living sacrifice, to be acceptable
through Christ, useful for Thine honour, through
time, and through eternity. Being made free from
sin, and become Thy servants, let us have our fruit
unto holiness, and the end everlasting life : Through
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

THANKSGIVING.

11 /TOST Glorious God, how wonderful Thy power
-^^-^ and wisdom. Thy holiness and justice, Thy
love and mercy, in this work of redemption, by the
incarnation, life, death, resurrection, intercession, and
dominion of Thy Son ! No wisdom or power in
heaven' or earth could have delivered us but Thine.
The angels desire to look into this mystery : the
heavenly host do celebrate it with praises, saying,

118 Other Forms of Celebrating

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men. The whole creation shall proclaim
Thy praises : Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb forever and ever. Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain, to receive power, and honour, and glory:
for. He hath redeemed us to God by His blood, and
made us kings and priests unto our God. And hast
Thou indeed forgiven us so great a debt, by so pre-
cious a ransom ? Wilt Thou indeed give us to reign
with Christ in glory, and see Thy face, and love TJiee,
and be loved of Thee for ever ? Yea, Lord ! Thou
hast forgiven us, and wilt glorify us ; for Thou art
faithful that hast promised. 0 set our affections on
the things above : let our conversation be in heaven,
from whence we expect our Saviour to come and
change us into the likeness of His glory. Then will
we perfectly praise and worthily magnify Thee for
ever, 0 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost : to whom be
glory. Amen.

' ':.':■ ; • III- ■■■• ^ •■ '■ , ■ ■' '

EXHORTATION.

THAT we may now celebrate the Supper of the
Lord to our comfort, it is necessary, first, that

The Lokd's Suppee. 119

every one consider by himself his sins, and the curse
due to him for them: to the end that he may abhor
and humble himself before God ; considering that the
wrath of God against sin is so great, that rather than
it should go unpunished, He hath punished the same
in His beloved Son Jesus Christ, with the bitter and
shameful death of the cross.

Secondly, Let every one examine his own heart,
whether he doth believe this faithful promise of God :
that all his sins are forgiven him, only for the sake
of the passion and death of Jesus Christ ; and that
the perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed and
freely given to him as his own ; yea, so perfectly, as
if he had in his own person satisfied for all his sins,
and fulfilled all righteousness.

Thirdly, Let every one examine his own conscience,
whether he hath resolved henceforth to show true
thankfulness to God in his whole life, and to walk
uprightly before Him : and also whether he hath laid
aside unfeignedly all enmity, hatred, and envy, and
doth firmly resolve henceforward to walk in true love
and peace with his neighbour.

All those who are thus disposed, God will certainly
receive in mercy, and count them worthy partakers at

120 Other Forms of Celebrating

the table of His Son Jesus Christ. On the contrary,
those who do not feel this testimony in their hearts,
eat and drink judgment to themselves. Therefore, we
also, according to the command of Christ and the
Apostle Paul, admonish all those who know them-
selves to be defiled with the following sins, to keep
themselves from the Table of the Lord ; and declare
to them that they have no part in the Kingdom of
Christ. Such as are idolaters ; all those who use or
confide in any form of divination ; all despisers of God
and of His Word, and of the holy Sacraments; all
profane or false swearers; contentious persons, and
those that live in hatred and envy against their neigh-
bours; all unclean persons, drunkards, thieves, liars,
slanderers, covetous ; and all who lead ofiensive lives.
These, while they continue in such sins, shall abstain
from this meat which Christ hath ordained only for
the faithful ; lest their judgment and condemnation be
made the heavier.

But this is not designed, dearly beloved brethren
and sisters in the Lord, to deject the contrite hearts of
the faithful ; as if none might come to this Supper, but
such as are without sin. For we do not come to this
Supper to testify thereby that we are perfect and right-

The Lokd's Suppek. 121

eous in ourselves : but, on the contrary, since we are
seeking our life out of ourselves, in Jesus Christ, we
acknowledge by this very service that we lie in the
midst of death. Therefore, notwithstanding we still
find many short-comings and miseries in ourselves : as
namely, that we have not perfect faith ; and that we do
not give ourselves to serve God with that zeal as we
are bound ; but have daily to strive with the weakness
of our faith, and the evil lusts of our own flesh:
yet since, by the grace of the Holy Ghost, we
are sorry for these weaknesses, and earnestly de-
sirous to fight against our unbelief, and to live ac-
cording to all the commandments of God : Therefore
we rest assured, that no sin or infirmity which still
against our will remaineth in us, can hinder us from
being received of God in mercy, and thus made wor-
thy partakers of this heavenly meat and drink.

Let us now also consider to what end the Lord hath
instituted His Supper : namely, That we do it in
remembrance of Him. Now after this manner are we
to remember Ilim in it. First, We must be confi-
dently persuaded in our hearts, that our Lord Jesus
Christ was sent of the Father into the world ; He
assumed our flesh and blood ; He bore for us the wrath

122 Other Forms of Celebrating

of God, under which we should have perished ever-
lastingly, from the beginning of His incarnation to the
end of His life upon earth ; especially when the weight
of our sins and of the wrath of God pressed out of
Him the bloody sweat in the garden, where He was
bound that our bonds might be loosed. Afterwards
He suffered innumerable revilings, that we might
never come to shame. In His innocence He was con-
demned to death, that we might be acquitted at the
judgment-seat of God. Yea, He suffered His blessed
body to be nailed on the Cross, that He might fasten
thereon that handwriting of our sins. He hath also
taken upon Himself the curse due to us, that He
might fill us with His blessings ; and humbled Him-
self unto the deepest reproach and pains of hell, in
body and in soul, on the tree of the Cross, when He
cried with a loud voice. My God, my God, why hast
Thou forsaken me : that we might be made nigh unto
God, and never be forsaken of Him. And finally He
confirmed with His death, and the shedding of His
blood, the new and eternal testament, that covenant of
grace and reconciliation ; when He said, It is finished.
And that we might firmly believe that we belong to
this covenant of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ hath

The Lord's Supper. 123

ordained this Holy Supper, and said, This do in re-
membrance of Me : That is, as often as ye eat of
this bread, and drink of this cup, ye shall thereby, as
by a sure memorial and pledge, be admonished and
assured of this my hearty love and faithfulness toward
you. That whereas you should otherwise have suffered
eternal death. I have given my body to the death of
the Cross, and have shed my blood for you, and with
my crucified body and shed blood do nourish your
hungry and thirsty souls to everlasting life, as surely
as this bread is broken before your eyes, and this eup
is given to you, and you eat and drink the same with
your mouth, in remembrance of Me.

From this institution of the Holy Supper of our
Lord Jesus Christ, we see that He directs our faith
and trust to His perfect sacrifice, once offered on the
Cross, as to the only ground of our salvation ; wherein
He is become to our hungry and thirsty souls the
true meat and drink of life eternal. For, by His
death He hath taken away the cause of our eternal
death and misery ; namely, sin : and obtained for us
the life-giving Spirit; that we by the same, which
dwelleth in Christ as in the Head, and in us as in His
members, might have true communion with Him, and

124 0th EK FOEMS OF C.ELEBEATING

be made partakers of all His blessings, of life eternal,
righteousness, and glory. And, furthermore, that we
bj the same Spirit may also be united as members of
one Body in true brotherly love ; as the holy Apostle
saith. For we being many are one bread and one body :
for we are all partakers of that one bread. For as
out of many grains one meal is ground and one bread
baked ; and out of many berries being pressed to-
gether one wine floweth and mixeth itself together : so
all we, who by a true faith are engrafted into Christ,
shall through brotherly love be one body, for the sake
of Christ our beloved Saviour, who hath first so ex-
ceedingly loved us. And this we shall show not only
in word, but also in very deed.

Hereto assist us the Almighty God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, through His Holy Spirit. Amen.

That we may obtain all this, let us humble our-
selves before God, and with true faith implore His

CONSECRATING PRATER.

/^ MOST Merciful God and Father! we beseech
^-^ Thee that in this Supper, by which we celebrate
the glorious remembrance of the bitter death of Thy
beloved Son Jesus Christ, Thou wilt so work in our

The Lord's Supper. 125

hearts bj Thy Holy Spirit, that with true confidence
we may more and more give ourselves up unto Thy
Son Jesus Christ ; that our burdened and fainting
hearts may, through the power of the Holy Ghost, be
fed and comforted with His true body and blood, yea,
with Him, true God and man, that only heavenly
Bread. And may we no longer live in our sins, but
He in us and we in Him ; and thus be true partakers
of the new and everlasting covenant of grace. May
we not doubt that Thou wilt for ever be our gracious
Father, never more imputing our sins unto us ; and
providing us, as Thy beloved children and heirs, with
all things necessary as well for the body as the soul.
Grant us also Thy grace, that we may cheerfully take
upon us our cross, deny ourselves, confess our Saviour,
and in all tribulations with uplifted heads expect our
Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, where He will make
our mortal bodies like unto His most glorious body,
and take us to be for ever with Himself.

Our Father, etc.

Strengthen us also by this holy Supper in the
Catholic undoubted Christian Faith, whereof we make
confession with our mouths and hearts, saying :

I believe in God, etc.

126 Othek Forms of Celebrating

rpHAT we may now be fed with the true heavenly
-■- Bread, Christ Jesus, let us not cleave with our
hearts to the external bread and wine, but let us lift
them up on high, where Christ Jesus is our Advocate,
at the right hand of His heavenly Father ; whither all
the articles of our faith lead us : not doubting that
through the working of the Holy Ghost, we shall be
fed and refreshed in our souls with His body and
blood, as surely as we receive the holy bread and wiiie
in remembrance of Him.

After the Communion, the Minister shall say :

"RELOYED in the Lord, since the Lord hath now
-*-^ fed our souls at His Table, let us therefore jointly
praise His holy Name with thanksgiving, and every
one say in his heart thus :

Bless th€ Lord, 0 my soul : and all that is within
me, bless His holy Name.

Bless the Lord, 0 my soul : and forget not all His
benefits. ' "- ' •

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities : who healeth all
thy diseases. • '

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction : who
crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies.

The Lokd's Suppek. 127

The Lord is merciful and gracious : slow to anger,
and plenteous in mercy.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins : nor re-
warded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth : so great
is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west : so far hath
He removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children : so the Lord
pitieth them that fear Him.

Who hath not spared His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all : and given us all things with
Him.

Therefore God commendeth His love towards us :
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us.

Much more then, being now justified by His blood :
we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled
to God by the death of His Son : much more, being
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the
praises of the Lord: from this time forth for ever-
more. Amen.

128 The Lord's Supper.

THANKSGIVING. • v '

Let every one say with an attentive heart :

f\ ALMIGHTY, Merciful God and Father, with our
^ whole hearts we thank Thee, that Thou hast of
Thy boundless mercy given us Thine only-begotten
Son, to be our Mediator, and the sacrifice for our sins,
and our meat and drink unto life eternal. We bless
Thee that Thou givest us lively faith, whereby we are
made partakers of such Thy benefits : and hast been
pleased that Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ should or-
dain His holy Supper for the confirmation of the same.
Grant then, we beseech Thee, 0 faithful God and
Father, that through the working of Thy Holy Spirit,
this remembrance made of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and this showing forth of His death, may tend to the
daily increase of our faith and saving fellowship with
Him : unto Whom, as unto Thee, 0 Father ! and the
Holy Ghost, be honour and praise for ever. Amen. -

THE FORM

OF ADMINISTERINa

THE SACRAMENT OP BAPTISM

THE FORM

OF ADMINISTERING

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

" Baptism is not to be unnecessarily delayed ; nor to be administered, in any
case, by any private person : but by a Minister of Christ, called to be a steward
of the Mysteries of God.

'•' It is usually to be administered In tbe Cburcb, in the presence of tbe con-
gregation; and it is convenient that it be performed immediately after
sermon.

" After previous notice is given to the Minister, the child to be baptized is
to be presented, by one or both of the parents, signifying their desire that the
child may be baptized.

" Before Baptism, let the Minister use some words of instruction, respecting
the institution, nature, use, and ends of this ordinance ; showing

" ' That it is instituted by Christ ; that it is a seal of the righteousness of
faith ; that the seed of the faithful have no less a right to this ordinance, under
the Gospel, than the seed of Abraham to circumcision, under the Old Testa-
ment ; that Christ commanded all nations to be baptized ; that He blessed
little children, declaring that of such is the kingdom of heaven; that children
are federally holy, and therefore ought to be baptized ; that we are, by nature,
sinful, guilty, and polluted, and have need of cleansing by the blood of Christ,
and by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God.' "..

UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made
heaven and earth. Amen.

Do you present this child to be baptized ?
Answer : We do.

132 The Form of Administering

/^UE. Lord showeth us in what poverty and misery
^-^ we all are born, wlien He saith that we must be
born again. For if a renewal of our nature be neces-
sary, in order that we may enter the Kingdom of God :
This signifies that it is originally guilty and depraved.
Thus He teacheth us that we must humble ourselves,
and become displeased with ourselves ; and thus He
prepares us to desire and seek His grace : whereby all
our depravity and the guilt of our former nature shall be
done away. For we are not capable of receiving that
grace, unless we be first emptied of all confidence in
our own strength, righteousness, and wisdom, even so
as to condemn all that is in ourselves.

Now, when our Lord hath shown us our misery, He
doth likewise comfort us by His merciful assurance:
promising to regenerate us by His Holy Spirit in a
new life, that shall be to us as it were an entrance
into His Kingdom. This regeneration consists of two
parts : First, That we renounce ourselves, not follow-
ing our own reason, pleasure, and will ; but bringing
into subjection our understanding and afiections to the
wisdom and righteousness of Ood ; and mortifying all
that is of us and of our flesh. And secondly. That
we follow God's light, obeying and delighting our-

The Sacrament of Baptism. 133

selves in His. good pleasure, as He manifests it by His
Word, and leads us to it by His Spirit. The fulfil-
ment of both these parts is to be found in our Lord
Jesus Christ ; Whose passion and death are of such
power, that, participating in them, we become as it were
buried unto sin, that our carnal lusts may be morti-
fied and slain. So too by the power of His resurrec-
tion, we are raised to newness of life in God, by so
much as His Spirit conducts and governs us, to work
in us the things that are well-pleasing to Him. But
the first and principal point of our salvation is, that
by His mercy He remits to us all our offences, not im-
puting them unto us, but destroying even the re-
membrance of them, that they come not into account
at His judgment.

These benefits are conferred when God is pleased to
incorporate us into His Church by Baptism. For in
this Sacrament He testifies to us the remission of our
sins. And for this cause He ordained the sign of
water, figuring to us that as by this element the stains
of the body are cleansed, so He is willing to wash and
purify our souls, that no spot may any longer appear
upon them. Here also He doth represent to us our
regeneration ; which, as we have said, consists in the

134 The Form of Administering

mortifying of our flesh, and the spiritual life, which
He produces in us. Thus we receive in Baptism a
twofold benefit from our God ; provided that we de-
stroy not the virtue of this sacrament by our ingrati-
tude : to wit, We have here a sure pledge that God is
willing to be our propitiated Father, not imputing to
us our sins and offences ; and secondly, that He will
assist us by His Holy Spirit, to fight against the devil,
sin, and the lusts of our flesh, even so as to gain the
victory over them, and to live in the liberty of His king-
dom, which is a kingdom of righteousness and peace.
Since, therefore, these two things are accomplished in
us by the grace of Christ, it follows that the virtue
and the substance of Baptism are both included in
Him. And in fact we have no other cleansing than
by His blood ; and we have no other renewal than by
His death and resurrection ; and the same blessings
that He communicates to us by His Word, He also
distributes to us by His Sacraments.

But our gracious God is not content to have adopted
us for His children, and received us into the com-
munion of His Church : He hath chosen more fully to
extend His goodness over us ; promising that He will
be our God, and the God of our seed, unto a thousand

The Sacrament of Baptism. 135

generations. And although the children of believers
belong to the corrupt race of Adam, He nevertheless
fails not to accept them by virtue of this Covenant,
and adopt them into the number of His People.
Hence from the beginning He chose that in His
Church the children should receive the sign of cir-
cumcision, whereby He then represented all that to-
day is manifested in Baptism. And as He command-
ed that they should be circumcised, so He adopted
them for His children, and called Himself their Ood,
as He was the God of their fathers.

Now, therefore, since our Lord Jesus came down to
earth, not to diminish the grace of God His Father,
but so to enlarge the Covenant of salvation which then
was confined to the people of the Jews, as to include
the whole world : there can be no doubt that our chil-
dren are the heirs of that life which He hath promised
to grant. And for this cause St. Paul hath said, that
they are sanctified of God from the womb, that they
may be distinguished from the children of heathen and
unbelievers. And therefore our Lord Jesus Christ
received the children that were brought to Him, as it
is written in the Gospel : ^

136 The Form ofAdministering

rpHEN were there brought unto Him little children,
-*- that He should put His hands on them, and pray :
and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said. Suf-
fer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto
Me ; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Since then He declares that the kingdom of heaven
belongs unto them ; since He layeth His hands upon
them, and commendeth them to God His Father : He
doth sufficiently teach us, that we must not exclude
them from His Church. Therefore, in pursuance of
this rule, we shall receive this child into His Church,
to the end that he moj be made partaker of the bless-
ings which God hath promised to the faithful. And
first of all we shrill present him to God by our prayers,
humbly saying with all our hearts thus :

" Then the Minister is to pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance."
PRAYER.

T ORD God, Eternal and Almighty Father ! since it
-^ hath pleased Thee of Thine infinite mercy to
promise, that Thou wilt be a God to us and to our chil-
dren : We pray Thee to confirm this grace unto the
child here present, begotten and born of parents whom
Thou hast called into Thy Church. And even as he

The Sacrament of Baptism. 137

is offered and consecrated unto Thee by us, so wilt
Thou receive him into Thy holy protection, declaring
Thyself to be his God and Saviour, forgiving him the
original sin whereof the whole race of Adam is guilty,
and sanctifying him, by Thy Holy Spirit : that when
he shall come to years of discretion, he may know and
worship Thee as his only God, and glorify Thee
throughout all his life. And to obtain such mercies,
wilt Thou be pleased to incorporate him into the fel-
lowship of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he may have a
part in all His benefits, as a member of His Body.
Grant, Father of Mercies, that the Baptism we confer
upon him according to Thine Ordinance, may produce
its fruit, and manifest its power, even as Thou hast
declared in the Gospel of Thy Son : Who hath taught
us to say :

r\UR Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy
" Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

138 The Form of Administering

' The Minister is also to exhort the oarents to the careful performance of
theii.* duty: requiring,

A S this child is to be received into the fellowship of
-^^ the Christian Church, you do promise, when he
is come to years of discretion, to instruct him in the
doctrine embraced by God's People, and summarily
comprehended in our common Confession of Faith, to
wit:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only Son,
our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hell ;
the third day He rose again from th€ dead ; He as-
cended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of
God the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the
Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church, the Commu-
nion of Saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrec-
tion of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen.

You promise that you will teach this child to read
the Word of God. You will instruct Aim in the prin-
ciples of our holy Religion, as contained in the Scrip-
tures of the Old and New Testaments. You will teach

The Sacramentof Baptism. 139

him to repeat the Catechisnij the Apostles' Creed, and
the Lord's Prayer. You will praj with and for this
child ; you will set an example of piety and godliness
before him ; and endeavour, by all the means of God's
appointment, to bring him^ up in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord.

" These premises being made, the child shall be named; and the Minister
calling Mm by Ms name, shall say :

BAPTIZE thee in the Name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

"As he pronounces these words, he is to baptize the child with water, by
pouring or sprinkling on the face of the child, without adding any other cere-
mony : and the whole shall be concluded with prayer."

THANKSGIVING.

TTfE lift up our eyes unto Thee, most Holy and
* ' Merciful Father ! Who not only dost bless us
with the common benefits bestowed upon mankind, but
also dost lavish the precious and wonderful gifts of
Thy Gospel upon us : and we give Thee most humble
thanks for Thine infinite goodness : that Thou hast
numbered us among Thy Saints, and of Thy free grace
hast called our children unto Thee ; marking them
with this Sacrament, as a singular badge and token

140 The Sacrament of Baptism.

of Thy love. Wherefore, most loving Father ! though
we deserve not so great a benefit, we beseech Thee
for Christ's sake to confirm Thy favour more and
more towards us : and take into Thy tuition and de-
fence, this child, whom we ofier and present unto Thee
with our common supplications. Suffer him never to
fall into ingratitude, and to lose the force of Baptism ;
but may he perceive Thee continually to be his Mer-
ciful Father, through Thy Holy Spirit working in
his heart ; by whose divine power he may so prevail
against Satan, that in the end obtaining the victory,
he inay be exalted into the liberty of Thy Kingdom:
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OTHER FORMS

FOB triIB ADMINISTERING OF

THE SACEAMENT OF BAPTISM

^ «»■»». ».

ADDRESS.

r ET US consider, dearly beloved, how Almighty God
-^ hath not only made us His children by adoption,
receiving us into the fellowship of His Church : but
also hath promised that He will be our God. and the
God of our children, unto a thousand generations.
Which promise, confirmed to His People in the Old
Testament by the Sacrament of Circumcision, He
hath renewed to us in His New Testament by the
Sacrament of Baptism : giving us thereby to know,
that our infants belong to Him by covenant, and there-
fore ought not to be deprived of those holy signs and
badges, whereby His children are known from un-
believers.

Neither is it requisite that all those who receive this

142 Othee Forms of Administering

Sacrament should have the use of understanding and
faith : but chiefly that they be contained under the
name of God's People, so that remission of sins in the
blood of Christ Jesus doth pertain unto them by the
promise of God. This is most evident from the words
of St. Paul, who pronounces the children begotten
and born, either of the parents being faithful, to be
clean and holy. Also our Saviour Christ admitteth
children to His presence, embracing and blessing
them. Which testimonies of the Holy Ghost assure
us, that infants are of the number of God's People,
and that remission of sins doth also belong to them in
Christ. • Therefore they can not without injury be
debarred from the common sign of God's children.

Further, it is evident that Baptism was ordained to
be ministered in the element of water, to teach us
that, like as water outwardly doth wash away the filth
of the body, so inwardly doth the virtue of Christ's
blood cleanse our souls from that corruption wherewith
by nature we were infected ; whose venomous dregs,
although they continue in this our flesh, yet by the
merits of His death are not imputed unto us, because
the righteousness of Jesus Christ is made ours by Bap-
tism. Not that we deem any such virtue or power to

The Sacrament of Baptism. 143

be included in the visible water, or outward action;
for many have been baptized, and yet never inwardly
cleansed : But that our Saviour Christ, who command-
ed Baptism to be ministered, will, by the power of
His Holy Spirit, effectually work in the hearts of
His Elect, in time convenient, all that is meant and
signified by the same. And this the Scripture calls
our regeneration ; which consists chiefly in these two
points : mortification, that is to say a resisting of the
rebellious lusts of the flesh ; and newness of life,
whereby we continually strive to walk in the pureness
and perfection wherewith we are clad in Baptism.

And although in the journey of this life we are as-
sailed with many foes, yet do we not fight without
fruit. For this constant battle which we wage against
sin, death, and hell, is a most infallible argument that
God the Father, mindful of His promise made unto
us in Christ Jesus, doth not only give us desire and
courage to resist them, but also assurance to overcome.
Wherefore, dearly deloved, it is not only necessary
that we be once baptized, but also it profiteth much to
be often present at this ministration ; that being put
in mind of the league and covenant made between God
and us, that He will be our God, and we His People,

144 Other Poems of Administeking

He our Father, and we His childreiij we may have
occasion to try as well our past lives as our present
conversation; and to prove ourselves, whether we
stand fast in the faith of God's Elect, or have strayed
from Him through unbelief and ungodly lives. If our
consciences do thus accuse us, yet by hearing the lov-
ing promises of our heavenly Father, who calls all
men to mercy by repentance, we may henceforth walk
more warily in our vocation. Moreover, ye that be
fathers and mothers, should take peculiar comfort in
seeing your children thus received into the bosom of
Christ's Congregation: whereby you are admonished
to nourish and bring up the children of God's favour
and mercy, over whom His fatherly providence con-
tinually watches.

And as this ought greatly to rejoice you, knowing
that nothing can happen unto them without His good
pleasure, so should it make you diligent and careful to
nurture and instruct them in the true knowledge and
fear of God. Wherein if ye be negligent, ye do not
only injure your own children, hiding from them the
good will and pleasure of Almighty God their Father :
but also you heap upon yourselves judgment, in suffer-
ing His children, bought with the blood of His dear

The Sacrament of Baptism. 145

Son, so treacherously for lack of knowledge to turn
away from Him. Hence it is your duty with all dili-
gence to provide that your children, in due time, be
instructed in all knowledge necessary for a true Chris-
tian: chiefly that they be taught to rest upon the
righteousness of Christ Jesus alone, and to abhor and
flee all superstition and idolatry. And now to the
intent that we may be assured that you, the parents
of this child, consent to the performance of all this :
Declare here, before the face of God's Congregation,
the sum of that Faith wherein ye believe, and will in-
struct your child.

Then the father, or in his absence the godfather, shall rehearse the articles
of his faith, as follows :

I believe in God, etc.

PRAYER.

A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who of Thine
■^^ infinite mercy and goodness hast promised unto
us that Thou wilt be not only our God, but also the
God and Father of our children : We beseech Thee,
that having called us to be partakers of this Thy great
mercy, in the fellowship of faith, it may please Thee
to sanctify with Thy Holy Spirit, and to receive into

146 Other Forms of Administering

the number of Thy children this infant, whom we
shall baptize according to Thy Word : That Ae, com-
ing to perfect age. may confess Thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent ; and
may so serve Him, and be profitable unto His Church,
in the whole course of his life, that this life ended, he
may be brought, as a lively member of His body, unto
the full fruition of Thy joys in the heavens : where
Thy Son, our Saviour Christ, reigneth with Thee and
the Holy Ghost, world without end. And in His
Name we pray, as He hath taught us, saying :
Our Father, etc.

The administration of the ordinance as in the preceding form.

II.
ADDRESS. •

T)APTISM is an holy Sacrament instituted by
-*-^ Christ : in which a person professing the Chris-
tian Faith, or the infant of such, is baptized with water
into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost : in signification and solemnization of
the holy covenant in which as a believer, or the seed
of believers, he giveth up himself, or is by the parent
given up, to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost :

The Sacrament of Baptism. 147

to believe in, love, and fear this blessed Trinity, against
the flesh, the devil, and the world. Thus he is sol-
emnly entered a visible member of Christ and His
Church, a child of God, and an heir of heaven. How
great now is this mercy, and how great the duty^that
is before you ! Is it a small mercy ^ for this child to
be accepted into the covenant of God, and washed from
his original sin in the blood of Christ — which is sig-
nified and sealed by this sacramental washing in water :
■ — to be accepted as a member of Christ and of His
Church, where He vouchsafes His protection and pro-
vision, and the means and Spirit of grace, and the re-
newed pardon of sin upon repentance ? The diity on
your part is, first, to see that you are stedfast in the
faith and covenant of Christ ; that you perish not
yourself; that your child is indeed the child of a be-
liever : And then, you are believingly and thankfully
to dedicate your child to God, and to enter him into
the covenant in which you stand. And you must
know that your faith, and consent, and dedication, will
suffice for your children no longer than until they
come to age themselves : and then they must own
their baptismal covenant, and personally renew it, and
consent and give themselves up to God, or else they

148 Other Forms of Administering

will not be owned bj Christ. You must therefore ac-
quaint them with the doctrine of the Gospel as they
grow up, and with the covenant now made : and bring
them up in the fear of the Lord. And when they are
actually penitent believers, they must present them-
selves to the Pastors of the Church, to be approved
and received into the communion of the adult believers.

The Minister shall here say to the Parent, and the Parent answer, as fol-
loweth:

A ND now, because these promises are made only to
'^■*- the faithful and to their seed, and because no
man can sincerely dedicate his child to that God in
whom he believeth not himself: I therefore require
you to make profession of your own faith.

Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ His only
Son our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pont' us Pi-
late, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended
into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead ;
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He
shall come to judge the quick and the dead ?

Do you believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy

The Sacrament of Baptism. 149

Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints ; the for-
giveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting ?

Answer : All this I unfeignedly believe.

Do you repent of your sins, and renounce the flesh,
the devil, and the world, and consent to the Covenant
of Grace, giving up yourself to God the Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, as your Creator and reconciled Fa-
ther, your Redeemer and your Sanctifier ?

Answer: I do.

Do you here solemnly promise, that, if God con-
tinue this child with you till he be capable of instruc-
tion, you will faithfully endeavour to acquaint him with
the covenant in which he was here engaged by you,
and to instruct and exhort him that he perform this
covenant as he looks for the blessings upon it, or to
escape the curses and wrath of God ; that he renounce
the flesh, the world, and the devil, and live not after
them ; and that he believe in this one God in three
Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, his Creator,

150 Other Foems of Administering

Redeemer, and Sanctifier; that he resign himself to
Him as his absolute owner, and obey Him as his su-
preme Governor, and love Him as his most gracious
Father, hoping to enjoy Him as His felicity in end-
less glory ?

Answer : I will faithfully endeavour it.

Will you to this end faithfully endeavour to cause
him to learn the articles of the Christian Faith, the
Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments ; and to
read and hear the Holy Scriptures, and to attend on
the public Preaching of God's Word ? Will you en-
deavour by your own teaching, and example, and re-
straint, to keep him from wickedness, and train him
up in a holy life ? -

Answer : I w^ill faithfully endeavour it, by the help
of God.

Then let the Minister pray thus :

PRAYER.

MOST Merciful Father ! by the first Adam sin
entered into the world, and death by sin; and

The Sacrament of Baptism. 151

we are all by nature children of wrath. But Thou
hast given Thy only Son to be the seed of the woman,
the Saviour of the world, the Captain of our salvation ;
to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and to wash
us in His bloody and reconcile us unto Thee, and to
renew us by the Holy Ghost, and to bruise Satan
under our feet. In Him Thou hast established the
Covenant of Grace, and hast appointed this holy Sacra-
ment of Baptism for our solemn entrance into the
bonds of the Covenant, and instating us in the bless-
ings of it, which Thou extendest to the faithful and
their seed. We dedicate and offer this child to Thee,
to be received into Thy Covenant and Thy Church.
We beseech Thee to accept him as a member of Thy
Son, and wash him in His blood from the guilt of sin,
as the flesh is washed by this water. Be reconciled to
him, and take him for Thy child. Kenew him in the
image of Thy Son ; make him a fellow-citizen with the
Saints, and of Thy household. Protect him and pro-
vide for him as Thine own^ and finally preserve him to
Thy heavenly Kingdom : Through Jesus Christ our
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Then the Minister shall ask of the parent the name of the child to bo bap-
tized ; and naming him, shall say :

152 Other Forms OF Administering

T BAPTIZE thee in the Name of the Father, and of
-^ . the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

And lie shall thus declare :

rpmS child is now received by Christ's appointment
-*- into His Church, and solemnly entered into the
holy Covenant ; and engaged, if he lives to the use
of reason, to rise with Christ to newness of life, being
buried with Him by Baptism ; and to bear His Cross,
and confess Christ crucified, and manfully to fight
under His banner against the flesh, the devil, and the
world, and to continue His faithful soldier and servant
to the death, that he may receive the crown of life.

Then he shall give thanks and pray.
THANKSGIVING.

"TTfE give Thee thanks. Most Merciful Father!
* ^ that when we had broken Thy law, and were
condemned by it, Thou didst give us a Saviour, and
eternal life in Him ; and hast extended Thy Covenant
of Grace to believers and to their seed ; and hast now
received this child into Thy Covenant and Thy Church,
as a member of Christ, by this Sacrament of regenera-
tion. We beseech Thee, let him grow up in holiness ;
and when he comes to years of discretion, let Thy

The Sackament of Baptism. 153

Spirit reveal unto him the mysteries of the Gospel,
and the riches of Thy love in Jesus Christ ; and cause
him to renew and perform the covenant that he hath
now made, and to resign himself, and all that he hath,
entirely unto Thee his Lord, to be subject and obe-
dient to Thee his Governor, and to love Thee his
Father, with all his heart, and soul, and might. May
he ever adhere unto Thee, and delight in Thee, as the
portion of his 'soul; desiring and hoping to enjoy
Thee in everlasting glory. Save him from the lusts
and allurements of the flesh ; the temptations of the
devil ; the pleasure, profit, and honour of the world ;
from all the corruptions of his own heart, and all the
hurtful violence of his foes. Keep him in communion
with Thy saints, in the love and use of Thy Word and
worship. May he deny himself and take up his cross,
and follow Christ, the Captain of his salvation, and be
faithful unto the death, and then receive the crown of
life, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

III.

address.
rpHE principal parts of the doctrine of Holy Bap-
-^ tism are these three : first, That we with our

154 Other Forms of Administering

children are conceived and born in sin, and therefore
are children of wrath ; insomuch that we can not enter
into the Kingdom of God, except we are horn again :
which is signified by the application of water in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Secondly, Holy Baptism witnesseth and seal-
eth unto us the washing away of our sins through
Jesus Christ. For when we are baptized in the Name
of the Father : God the Father sealeth unto us that
He doth make an eternal Covenant of Grace with us,
and adopts us for His children and heirs. And when
we are baptized in the Name of the Son : God the
Son sealeth unto us that He doth wash us in His
blood from all our sins ; so that we are accounted
righteous before God. And, in like manner, when we
are baptized in the Name of the Holy Ghost : God
the Holy Ghost assures us that He will dwell in us,
and apply that which we have in Christ, namely, the
washing away of our sins, and the daily renewing of
our lives, till we shall finally be presented without
spot or wrinkle among the Elect in life eternal.
Thirdly, Whereas in all covenants there are contained
two parts, therefore are we through Baptism obliged
unto new obedience : namely, that we cleave to this

The Sacrament of Baptism. 155

one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; that we for-
sake the world, crucify our old nature, and walk in a
new and holy life.

And if we sometimes through weakness fall into
sin, we must not therefore despair of God's mercy, nor
continue in sin, since Baptism is a seal and undoubted
testimony, that we have an eternal Covenant of Grace
with God.

And although our young children do not understand
these things, they are not therefore to be excluded
from Baptism. For as they are without their knowl-
edge partakers of the condemnation in Adam, so are
they again received unto grace in Christ. For God
said unto Abraham, the father of all the faithful, and
therefore unto us and our children, I will establish
My Covenant between Me and thee, and thy seed after
thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant ;
to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
This is confirmed by the Apostle Peter, saying. For
the promise is unto you, and to your children. There-
fore God formerly commanded them to be circumcised,
which was a seal of the covenant, and of the righteous-
ness of faith. And therefore Christ also embraced
them, laid His hands upon them, and blessed them,

156 Other Forms of Administering

Forasmuch then as Baptism is come in the place of
Circumcision, infants are to be baptized, as heirs of the
Kingdom of God, and of His Covenant. And parents
are in duty bound, further to instruct their children
herein, when they shall have arrived at years of dis-
cretion. That therefore this holy Ordinance of God
may be administered to His glory, to our comfort, and
to the edification of His Church : let us call upon His
Holy Name.

prayer.
f\ ALMIGHTY and Eternal God, we beseech Thee
^^ that Thou wilt be pleased of Thine infinite
mercy graciously to look upon these children ; and in-
corporate them by Thy Holy Spirit into Thy Son
Jesus Christ : that they may be buried with Him unto
His death, and be raised with Him in newness of life ;
that they may daily follow Him, joyfully bearing their
cross, and cleave unto Him in true faith, firm hope,
and ardent love ; that they may with a comfortable
sense of Thy favour leave this life, which is nothing
but a continual death; and at the last day appear
without terror before the judgment-seat of Christ Thy
Son : Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee

The Sacrament of Baptism. 157

and the Holy Ghost, one only God, lives and reigns
for ever. Amen.

To the Parents, and those who come with them to Baptism.

"QELOVED in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have
-*-^ heard that Baptism is an Ordinance of God, to
seal unto us and to our seed His covenant. Therefore
it must be used for that end, and not out of custom or
superstition. That it may then be manifest that you
are thus minded, you are to answer sincerely to these
questions :

First, Do you acknowledge that, although our chil-
dren are conceived and born in sin, and therefore un-
der condemnation : yet they are sanctified* in Christ,
and therefore, as members of His Church, ought to be
baptized?

Secondly, Do you acknowledge the doctrine which
is contained in the Old and New Testaments, and in
the articles of the Christian faith, and which is taught
here in this Christian Church, to be the true and com-
plete doctrine of salvation ?

* My children, Ezek. xvi. 21. They are holy, 1 Cor. vli. 14, jA

158 Other Forms of Administering

• Thirdly, Do you promise and intend to see these
children, when come to years of discretion, instructed
and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, to the utmost
of your power ? .

Answer. Yes.

Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall say :

I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and
•5 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

THANKSGIVING.

A LMIGHTY God and Mefciful Father, we thank
-^ and praise Thee that Thou hast promised to for-
give us and our children all our sins, through the
blood of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ ; and to re-
ceive us through the Holy Ghost as members of Thy
Son, and to adopt us as Thy children. We bless and
praise Thee that Thou hast sealed and confirmed these
promises unto us by Holy Baptism. We beseech
Thee, through the same Son of Thy love, tjiat Thou
wilt be pleased always to govern these baptized chil-
dren by Thy Holy Spirit ; that they may be piously
brought up, in the nurture and admonition of the

The Sacrament of Baptism. 159

Lord ; that they then may acknowledge Thy fatherly
goodness and mercy, which Thou hast shown to them
and to us ; and live in all righteousness under our only
Teacher, King, and High Priest, Jesus Christ; and
manfully fight and overcome sin, the devil, and his
whole dominion : to the end that they may eternally
praise and magnify Thee, and Thy Son Jesus Christ,
together with the Holy Ghost, the one only true God.
Amen.

THE FORM

OF ADMINISTEEINa

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
TO ADTJLT PERSONS.

After repeating the first two paragraphs of the preceding office, the Minis-
ter proceeds thus :

TTOWEVER children of Christian parents, although
-*-^ they understand not this mystery, must be bap-
tized, by virtue of the Covenant: yet it is not lawful
to baptize those who are come to years of discretion,
except they first be sensible of their sins, and make
confession both of their repentance and of their faith in
Christ. For this cause our Lord Jesus Christ com-
manded His disciples to teach all nations, and then to
baptize them, in the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; adding this promise, He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Accord-
ingly, the Apostles baptized none who were of years
of discretion, but such as made confession of their faith

Baptism of Adult Persons. 161

and repentance. Therefore it is not lawful now to
baptize any adult persons, but those who have been
taught the mysteries of Holy Baptism, and are able
to give an account of their faith by the confession of
the mouth.

Since then, you, N., are desirous of this holy sacra-
ment, as a seal of your engrafting into the Church of
God ; that it may appear that you do not only receive
the Christian Religion, of which you now make con-
fession, but do, through the grace of God, intend and
purpose to lead a life according to the same ; you are
sincerely to give answer before God and His Church :

Dost thou believe in the one only true God, distinct
in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; Who
hath made heaven and earth, and all that in them is,
of nothing, and still maintains and governs them, inso-
much that nothing comes to pass, either in heaven or
on earth, without His divine will ?

Answer. Yes.

Dost thou acknowledge that thou art conceived and
born in sin, and therefore art a child of wrath, by na-
ture wholly incapable of doing any good, and prone to
all evil ; and that thou hast frequently, both in thought,

162 Baptismof

word, and deed, transgressed the commandments of
the Lord; and art thou heartily sorrj. for these sins ?

Answer. Yes.

Dost thou believe that Christ, Who is the true and
eternal God, and very Man, is given thee of God to
be thy Saviour ; and that thou dost receive by this
faith remission of sins in His blood ; and that thou art
made by the power of the Holy Ghost a member of
Jesus Christ and of His Church ?

Answer. Yes.

^^•"TTost thou assent to all the articles of the Christian
Religion, as they are here taught in this Christian
Church, according to the Word of God ; and purpose
stedfastly to continue in the same to the end of thy
life ; and also dost thou reject all heresies and schisms,
repugnant to this doctrine]^ and promise to persevere
in the communion of our Christian Church, not only
in the hearing of the Word, but also in the use of the
Lord's Supper ?

Answer. Yes.

*' Adult Persons/ 163

Hast thou taken a firm resolution always to lead a
Christian life ; to forsake the world and its evil lusts,
as becometh the members of Christ and of His
Church ; and to submit thyself to all Christian ad-
monitions ?

Answer. Yes.

The good and gracious God mercifully grant His
grace and blessing to this thy purpose, through Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall say :

N., I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE FORM

FOE

THE ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS
TO THE TABLE OF THE LOED.

At the Service preparatory to the Lord's Supper.

" Children born within the pale of the visible Church, and dedicated to God
in Baptism, are under the inspection and government of the Church; and are
to be taught to read and repeat the Catechism, the Apostles' Creed, and the
Lord's Prayer. They are to be taught to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and
to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they come to years of discretion,
if they be free from scandal, appear sober and steady, and to have sufficient
knowledge to discern the Lord's Body, they ought to be informed it is their
duty and their privilege to come to the Lord's Supper.

" The years of discretion in young Christians can not be precisely fixed.
This must be left to the prudence of the Eldership. The officers of the Church
are the judges of the qualifications of those to be admitted to sealing ordi-
nances ; and of the time when it is proper to admit young Christians to them.

" Those who are to be admitted to sealing ordinances, shall be examined as
to their knowledge and piely."

INVOCATION.

/^UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made

heaven and earth. Amen.

PREFACE.

rpHUS saith the Lord that made thee, and formed
-*- thee from the womb, which will help thee, Fear

Admission of Baptized Persons. 165

not, 0 Jacob, my servant, and thou Jesurun, whom
I have chosen. For I will pour water on him that is
thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground : I will pour
my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine
offspring; and they shall spring up as among the
grass, as willows by the water-courses. One shall say,
I am the Lord's; and another shall subscribe with
his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the
name of Israel.

ADDRESS TO THE CONGREGATION.

"QRETHREN, we are here met for the admission of
■^ these young persons, who have been examined as
to their knowledge and piety, to the Table of the Lord.
They will publicly ratify in your hearing the engage-
ments of their Baptism, and be received to the full par-
ticipation of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace.

This occasion is one of solemn interest for each of
them : and such also let it be for each of you. Let
your thoughts revert to the vows that you have taken,
and the privileges that you have enjoyed, in the com-
munion and fellowship of Christ and of His Body the
Church. To this end let us with one accord seek the
blessing of the Spirit of God.

166 Admission of Baptized Peksons

PRAYER.

A LMIGHTY and most Merciful God ! We give
■^-^ Thee hearty thanks, that Thou hast called us to
the knowledge of Thyself, in Jesus Christ our Lord ;
and hast vouchsafed to make us partakers of the great
and precious promises of Thy holy Word. We praise
Thee for the certain assurance, that these promises are
unto us, and to our children^ and to all that are afar
off, even as many as Thy grace shall call. 0 Merciful
God, we have believed the witness of Thy Word. We
have dedicated these children from their infancy to
Thee. We have sought for them admission to Thy
Church by Holy Baptism. We have taught them Thy
saving Truth ; and now that they have reached years
of discretion, we come with them, to witness their will-
ing renewal of the sacred vows that bind them to Thy
Covenant. Lord, we beseech Thee, help them at this
solemn hour. Work in them both to will and to do of
Thy good pleasure. Make them sincere in repentance,
strong in faith, stedfast in hope, and fervent in charity.
Receive them into the communion of Thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord ; and enable them to persevere unto
the end, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen.

To THE Lord's Table. 167

. Then the Minister, addressing the Candidates, says :

"\rOU that desire to be admitted to the Table of the
-*- Lord, are you so fully persuaded of the truths
of the Gospel in which you have been taught, that
you are ready to suflfer all things, sooner than re-
nounce the profession you now make ?

Answer. Yes.

Have you examined your own hearts, and are you
determined to forsake sin, and to order your lives in
obedience to God's law ?

Ans7ver. Yes.

Do you promise that, for the strengthening of your
faith and piety, you will give yourselves to careful
study and meditation upon the Word of God, and to
prayer ; to a regular attendance upon the assemblies
of His People; and to all other means that Prov-
idence shall furnish, for the advancement of your
salvation ?

Answer. Yes.

Do you then sincerely and with your whole hearts

168 Admission of Baptized Persons

confirm and ratify the vows of your Baptism, that
bind you to renounce the world with all its vanities,
to resist your evil passions, to consecrate yourselves
to God, your Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier ; and to
live in temperance, righteousness, and holiness all your
days ?

Answer. Yes.

Then the Minister says :

TN view of these promises, I admit you to the Table
-■- of the Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you may enjoy all the privileges of the Covenant of
Grace.

May you be deeply sensible of the importance and
the solemnity of the engagement that you have now
entered upon, and retain the impression of it through-
out your lives. Remember that it is to God, your
Maker, your Redeemer, and your Judge, that these
promises have been made ; and that upon the care you
take to fulfil them, will depend your eternal blessed-
ness. Walk worthily, then, of your high vocation.
Let the light of your good works shine before men.
Labour to perfect holiness, in the fear of the Lord.
Seek daily the strength of God. Nourish your souls

To THE Lord's Table. 169

with His Word. Be watchful unto prayer. Flee
youthful snares, that would lead you away from Him.
Thus devoting yourselves to God from youth, you
will be so accustomed to His service, that His yoke
will seem to you easy, and His burden light, and
your joy will be found in doing His blessed will. God
on His part will bless you; He will give you His
peace, that passeth all understanding. The eye of the
Lord will be upon you, and His ears will be open to
your prayers ; the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse
you from all sin. Be fearful of nothing; because
greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the
world. His strength will be made perfect in your
weakness ; you will be able to do all things through
Christ who strengtheneth you. In the hour of death,
you will be sustained by the hope of a joyful resur-
rection, and having here below your fruit unto holi-
ness, you shall have the end everlasting life.

Then the Minister, addressing the whole congregation, says :

A ND you. Brethren, who now witness the entrance
-^-^ of these baptized persons upon a connection yet
more close and intimate with yourselves, let your af-
fection toward them, and your earnest solicitude for

170 Admission of Baptized Persons

their welfare, be henceforth redoubled. And let us all
with one accord, as members of one Body, unite in
fervent prayer, that God may pour down His grace
upon us, and guide by His Holy Spirit into His per-
fect way.

PRAYER.

The Candidates kneeling.

r\ LORD our God, who hast chosen to Thyself a
^-^ Church on earth, and who hast promised to
preserve it unto the end of the world, and finally raise
it unto Thy glory: Look down in Thy goodness upon
these baptized persons now prostrate before Thee, who
have been solemnly admitted to the fiill communion
and fellowship of Thy Church. Thou hadst already
called them, by the promises of Thy Covenant, which
are made unto us and unto our children ; and granted
them the seal of this privilege of Christian birth, in
the ordinance of Baptism. But since the weakness
of their infancy prevented the personal and voluntary
dedication of themselves, they come now to confirm
the vows of obedience that were taken for them, to
consecrate themselves entirely to Thy service, and to
beseech Thee that Thou wilt graciously regard them

To THE Lokd's Table. 171

as Thy children. They have been taught, 0 God, to
know Thee, their Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier.
They are persuaded that there is salvation in none
other, and they desire to have part in the benefits
of the sacrifice of Christ, and His efficacious interces-
sion. Accept, 0 Lord, these purposes of their hearts,
and receive them into the communion of Thy Son.
May they love Thy truth, and ever seek to know it
more thoroughly, and to profess it more consistently,
unto the end of their lives. May they withstand all
evil, renounce the world, its vanities and delusions,
and live as the heirs and citizens of heaven. May
the. Sacrament of which they shall partake be accom-
panied with a fresh outpouring of Thy grace upon
them. Take possession of their hearts by Thy Holy
Spirit; and at last receive them with us into Thy
heavenly habitations, through our Great Redeemer and
Advocate, Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen.
Our Father, etc.

BENEDICTION.

rpHE blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the
-■- Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and
remain with you always. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE

DATS OP PASTING AND THANKSGIVING.

THE

ORDER OF SERVICE

DAY OP HUMILIATION, FASTING, AND PRAYER.

" Public notice is to be given a convenient time before the day of Fasting or
Thanksgiving comes, that persons may so order their temporal affairs, that they
may properly attend to the duties thereof.

"There shall be public worship upon all such days: and let the prayers,
psalms, portions of Scripture to be read, and sermons, be all in a special man-
ner adapted to the occasion.

" On Fast-days let the Minister point out the authority and providences call-
ing to the observation thereof; and let him spend a more than usual portion
of time in solemn prayer, particular confession of sin, especially of the sins of
the day and place, with their aggravations, which have brought down the
judgments of heaven. And let the whole day be spent in deep humiliation
and mourning before God."

PREFACE.

TT7HEREWITH shall I come before the Lord, and
* * bow myself before the high God ? Shall I
come before Him with burnt-offerings, with calves of
a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands
of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil ? Shall
I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of

176 Order of Service

my body for the sin of my soul ? He hath showed
thee, 0 man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord
require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God ?

OPENING PRAYER.

f\ LORD, Thy mercy is without measure, and the
^^ truth of Thy promise abideth for ever. Un-
worthy are we that Thou shouldst look upon us ; but
Thou hast promised to show Thy compassion toward
the most grievous offenders, whensoever they repent ;
and by the mouth of Thy dear Son our Lord Jesus
Christ, to give Thy Holy Spirit unto such as humbly
call upon Thee. In boldness of this promise, we most
fervently beseech Thee, 0 Father of Mercies, that it
may please Thee to work in our stubborn hearts an
unfeigned sorrow for our offences, a feeling of Thy
grace and mercy, and an earnest desire for that right-
eousness in which we are bound continually to walk.
But because neither we nor our prayers can stand be-
fore Thee, we fly to the obedience and perfect right-
eousness of Jesus Christ our only Mediator : in whom,
and by whom, we ask of Thee not only the remission
of our sins, and the help of Thy Spirit, but all things

- For A Public Fast. 177

also that Thy wisdom knoweth to be expedient for us, ,^
and for Thy Church Universal. Amen.

To be said by the Minister and People.

/^UR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy
^^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de-
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Here may be sung a penitential Psalm.

Then follows the reading of Scripture, out of the Old and New Testaments.

The following are appropriate selections :

Isaiah 1. 10-27. St. Matthew iii. 1-12.

Isaiah Iviii. Hebrews iii.

Jeremiah vii. 1-20. St. Matthew xxi. 28^6.

Psalm li. St. Luke xiii. 23-35.

Ezekiel xviii. 20-82. St. Luke xviii. 1-14.

Daniel ix. 1-19. St. Luke xv. 11-32.

Next the

GENERAL PRAYER.

f\ ALMIGHTY, Most Just, and Merciful God ! we

acknowledge ourselves unworthy to lift up our

178 Order of Service

eyes unto heaven, as we present ourselves before Thee.
For our consciences accuse us, and our sins reprove
us ; and we know that Thou, who art a righteous Judge,
must needs punish them that transgress Thy law. 0
Lord ! when we look back and examine our whole life,
we find nothing in ourselves that deserveth any other
reward than eternal condemnation. But since, of
Thine unspeakable mercy, Thou hast commanded us in
all our necessities to call upon Thee ; and hast also
promised that Thou wilt hear our prayers, not for any
merit of our own, for we have none, but for the merits
of Thy Son, whom Thou hast ordained to be our only
Mediator and Intercessor : Therefore we lay aside all
confidence in man, and flee to the throne of Thy
mercy, by the intercession of Thy only Son our Saviour,
Jesus Christ.

O Lord ! we lament and bewail our past unthank-
fulness towards Thee. We remember that besides those
benefits of Thine which we enjoy in common with all
men as Thy creatures. Thou hast bestowed upon us
many special blessings, of which we are not able in
heart to conceive the value, much less in words worthily
to express it. Thou hast called us to the knowledge
of Thy Gospel. Thou hast released us from the hard

For A Public Fast. 179

servitude of Satan. Thou hast delivered us from idol-
atry, and hast brought us into the clear and comfort-
able light of Thy blessed Word. But we, unmindful
of these Thy benefits, have neglected Thy command-
ments, have abused the knowledge of Thy Gospel, have
followed our carnal liberty, have served our own lusts,
and through our sinful lives have failed sxiitably to
serve and honour Thee.

And now, 0 Lord ! we do most humbly confess that
we have sinned, and have most grievously displeased
Thee. And if Thou, Lord ! provoked with our dis-
obedience, shouldst now deal with us as we have de-
served, there remaineth nothing to be looked for, but
continual plagues in this world, and hereafter eternal
death and condemnation, both of body and of soul.
For if we should excuse ourselves, our own consciences
would accuse us before Thee, and our own disobedience
and wickedness would bear witness against us. Yea,
although Thou shouldst punish us more grievously
still ; though Thou shouldst pour upon us all those
testimonies of Thy just wrath, which in time past Thou
pouredst on Thy chosen people, Israel : yet could we
not deny that we had justly deserved it.

But, O merciful Lord ! Thou art our God, and wo

180 Order OF Sebv ICE

are Thine inheritance ; Thoa art our Creator, and we
the work of Thy hands ; Thou art our Shepherd, we
Thy flock ; Thou art our Redeemer, and we the people
whom Thou hast redeemed ; Thou art our Father, we
are Thy children. Lord ! be not wroth against us ;
punish us not in Thy sore displeasure.

Remember, 0 Lord ! that Thy Name hath been
named upon us ; that we bear Thy seal, and the tokens
of Thy service. Perfect the work Thou hast begun in
us ; that all the world may know Thou art our God
and merciful Dehverer. Thou knowest that the dead
who are in their graves can not praise Thee ; but the
sorrowful spirit, the contrite heart, the conscience
broken with a sense of sin, and panting for Thy grace,
shall give Thee praise and glory. Thy people Israel
ofttimes offended Thee, and Thou didst justly afflict
them ; but as oft as they returned to Thee, Thou didst
receive them in mercy ; and though their sins were
never so great, yet didst Thou turn away Thy wrath,
and the punishment prepared for them : and that for
Thy Covenant's sake, which Thou madest with Thy
servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thou hast made
a better Covenant with us, 0 heavenly Father ! a
Covenant on which we may lean as we appear before

For A Public Fast. 181

Thee : through the mediation of Thy dear Son Jesus
Christ our Saviour, with whose most precious blood it
pleased Thee that this Covenant should be written,
sealed, and confirmed.

Wherefore, 0 heavenly Father ! we now, casting
away all confidence in ourselves or any other creature,
do flee to this most holy Covenant and testament ;
wherein our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, once
offering Himself a sacrifice for us on the Cross, hath
reconciled us to Thee for ever. Look, therefore, 0
merciful God ! not upon the sins that we continually
commit, but upon our Mediator and Peacemaker,
Jesus Christ : that by His intercession Thy wrath may
be pacified, and we again by Thy fatherly countenance
relieved and comforted. Receive us also into Thy
heavenly defence, and govern us by Thy Holy Spirit.
Frame in us newness of life, wherein to laud and
magnify Thy blessed Name for ever, and to live every
one of us according to the several states of life where-
unto Thou hast ordained us.

And, 0 heavenly Father ! although by reason of
our past sins, we are unworthy to crave any thing of
Thee : yet, because Thou hast commanded us to pray
for all men, we most humbly beseech Thee, save and

182 Order OF Service

defend Thj holy Church. Be merciful to all com-
monwealths, countries, princes, and magistrates ; and
especially to this our land, and to its rulers and gov-
ernors. Increase the number of godly ministers.
Endue them with Thy grace, to be found faithful and
prudent in their office. "We commend also to Thy
fatherly mercy all that be in poverty, exile, im-
prisonment, sickness, or any kind of adversity; and
chiefly those whom Thy hand hath touched with
any dangerous sickness: which we beseech Thee, 0
Lord ! of Thy mercy, when Thy blessed will is, to
remove. And in the meantime grant us the grace
of true repentance, steadfast faith, and constant pa-
tience : that whether we live or die, we may always
continue Thine, and ever bless Thy holy Name,
and be brought to the fruition of Thy Godhead.
Grant these, and all our humble petitions, 0 merciful
Father I for the sake of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

After thia Prayer a Hymn shall be sung before the
SERMON.

After which a Closing Prayer, as on pp. 71, 88-85 ; followed by a Hymn,
and the

For a Public Fast. 183

benediction.

THE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.

THE

ORDER OF SERVICE

DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING

" On days of Thanksgiving, the Minister is to give infoi-mation respecting the
authority and providences which call to the observance of them ; and to spend
a more than usual part of the time in the giving up of thanks, agreeably to the
occasion, and in singing psalms or hymns of praise.

" It is the duty of the people on these days to rejoice with holy gladness of
heart; but let trembling be so joined with our mirth, that no excess or un-
becoming levity be indulged."

PREFACE.

r\ COME, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make
^^ a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let
us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and
make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

, 0 come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel
before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God ; and
we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of
His hand.

Public Thanksgiving. 185

invocation.
A LMIGHTY God ! who hast promised to be pre-
•^-^ sent with Thy people, and to grant their re-
quests in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son : Look
down, we beseech Thee, upon us, who have assembled
at this time to offer unto Thee our thanksgiving and
praise ; and for the sake of Him who is our only
Saviour and Mediator with Thee, grant us the help
of Thy Holy Spirit : that our thoughts being lifted
up, and our desires drawn forth unto Thee, we may
render Thee an acceptable service, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

To be said by the Minister and People.

r^UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Then follows the singing of a Psalm or Hymn of Thanksgiving.

186 Order of Service

Next the reading of Scripture out of the Old and New Testaments.
The following are appropriate selections ;

t)eut. viii. Bom. xii.

Psalm civ. Philip, iv. 4r-20.

Psalm cvii. 1 Thess. v.

Next the

GENERAL THANKSGIVING.

GOD, infinite in wisdom, power, and goodness !

We acknowledge Thee the Creator of all things
in the heavens above, in the earth beneath, and in
the paths of the sea. We adore Thee for the great-
ness and beauty of all Thy works. We adore Thy
loving-kindness, that Thou hast made them subservient
to the wants and happiness of Thy children. What
is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of
man that Thou visitest him ? Thou hast given him
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls
of the air, and over every living thing that moveth
upon the earth. Thou hast given to him for meat
every moving thing that liveth, and every herb yield-
ing seed, and every fruit-tree yielding fruit after its
kind. Thou hast crowned us with mercy and loving-
kindness.

We praise Thee for Thy gracious promise of old,

For Public Thanksgiving. 187

that "while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest,
and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day
and night, shall not cease. Thou visitest the earth,
and blessest it. Thou sendest the springs into the
valleys which run among the hills. Thou causest the
grass to grow for all cattle, and herb for the service
of man, that he may bring forth fruit out of the earth.
Thou makest the furrows of the field soft with show-
ers : Thou blessest the springing thereof The pas-
tures are clothed with flocks : the valleys also are
covered over with corn : they shout for joy. Thou
crownest the year with Thy goodness : Thy clouds
drop fatness : they drop upon the pastures of the wil-
derness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. 0
Lord ! how manifold are Thy works ! in wisdom hast
Thou made them all.

We praise Thee, 0 Lord ! not only in the riches of
Thy bounty and compassion, but also in Thy righteous
judgments. Thou openest Thy hand, and we are
filled with good : Thou hidest Thy face, and we are
troubled. But we know that in Thy wrath Thou
rememberest mercy ; and we acknowledge Thy long-
suffering and Thy loving-kindness. Give us grace to
believe, that whom the Lord loveth He chastenethj

188 Order of Service

and ever enable us to offer unto Thee, in spirit and in
truth, the prayer of Thy holy prophet : Although the
fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the
vines ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields
shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from
the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : yet
we will rejoice in the Lord ; we will joy in the God
of our salvation. ^

For ourselves and our country, 0 Gracious God!
we thank Thee : that notwithstanding our manifold
transgressions of Thy holy laws, Thou hast continued
unto us Thy marvellous kindness: that Thou hast
given us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling
our hearts with food and gladness. These have been
witnesses of Thy great goodness, for they certify of
Thee that Thou art the living God. Teach us to be-
lieve with a strong faith that Thou art Lord of the
seasons : that Thou biddest the earth to bring forth,
and it obeyeth Thee. Accept our thanksgivings for
all the blessings of the year now drawing to a close :
fill our hearts with humility and love, with gratitude
and trust : continue Thy loving-kindness unto us, and
help us to show forth the fruits of grace, in a sincere
obedience to His will, through whom all blessings are

For Public Thanksgiving. 189

vouchsafed, Thy Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

After this Prayer a Hymn shall be sung before the

At the close of which may be used one of the forms of a General Prayer, as on
page 81-88.

Then a Hymn, and the

BENEDICTION.

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.

THE OFFICE

CONFIRMATION OP MARRIAGE

" Marriage must always be performed before a competent number of wit-
nesses ; and at any time, except on a day of public humiliation. And we ad-
vise that it be not on the Lord's day. And the Minister is to give a certificate
of the marriage when required.

" When the parties present themselves for marriage, the Minister is to ask
if there is any person present who knows any lawful reason why these persons
may not be joined together in the marriage relation, that they will now make
it known.

"No objections being made, he shall then proceed to give them some in-
structions from the Scriptures, respecting the institution and duties of this
office."

ri OD be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause
^ His face to shine upon us, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

"TN the Name of Almighty Grod, I demand of each
-■- of you here present, that if ye know any good
reason why these persons M., and N., should not be
joined in Marriage, ye do now declare the same, as
ye would answer before the Searcher of Hearts.

192 Confirmation of

/^OD created man in His own image, and said, it
^ is not good that man should be alone : I will
make a help meet for him. He brought unto the
man the woman whom He had made. And Adam
said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my
flesh. Therefore shall a man leave father and mother,
and cleave unto his wife : and they twain shall be one

Marriage, thus ordained of God in Eden, was con-
firmed at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, by the
gracious presence and miraculous blessing of our
divine Lord Jesus Christ : who also hath said, What
God hath joined together let not man put asunder.
Moreover, His Holy Apostle Paul has commended
unto the husband the example of Christ in loving
His Church, and unto the wife the willing subjection
of the Church unto Christ as her Head. Whence we
learn that Marriage is well-pleasing to God our
Saviour, and most honourable to all who maintain
therein a mutual love and unshaken fidelity.

I therefore, a minister of the blessed Gospel, charge
and entreat you both, to seek the help of God in all
your duties ; that His grace may make your union
fruitful of comfort in thia life, and a furtherance of

Marriage. 19S

your everlasting salvation, to the glory of His holy
Name.
y Let us pray.

r\ MOST Holy and Most Merciful Lord God, we be-
^^ seech Thee for these Thy servant and handmaid ;
that they may, with a reverent trust in Thee, enter into
the covenant of' marriage, as they now propose, and
truly keep all the vows which they are about to make
according to Thy Word. Grant this, 0 our Father,
with the forgiveness of our sins, through Christ Thy
Son. Amen.

Then the Minister shall bid the man and the woman to join their right hands :
which being done, he shall say to the man :

f / ~r\OST thou , take this woman , before God

^ and these witnesses, to be thy wife ?

Answer. Yes.

[/T\OST thou promise to love her, honour her, defend
^ her, sustain and cherish her, in joy and in sor-
row, in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in

adversity ? Wilt thou be faithful to her in all things
9

194 Confirmation of

<■'
1^ as becometh a good husband, and never forsake her so

/ long as je both do live ?
•/ - ■.■ .

Answer. Yes.

The Minister shall then say to the woman :

OST thou , take this man , before God

and these witnesses, to be thy husband ?

Answer. Yes.

T\OST thou promise to love him, honour him, cher-
-*-^ ish and obey him, in joy and in sorrow, in
health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity ?
Wilt thou be faithful to him in all things as becometh
a good wife, and never forsake him so long as ye both
do live ?

Answer. Yes.

[When a ring is used.]

To the man :

HAT pledge dost thou give that thou wilt per-
form these thy vows ? ^

The man shows the ring.

To the woman:

Marriage. 195

OST thou receive this ring in token of the same
on thy part ?

Then the man (the Minister guiding his hand) shall place the ring on the fourth
finger of her left hand.

Then the Minister shall say :

Let us pray,.

r\ GOD, our heavenly Father, Thou hast heard
^ these promises of Thy servant and handmaid to
each other : Mercifully condescerid to unite their hearts
and lives by all the grace and true affection of a happy
marriage. May their love never know change, or
doubt, or decay. Replenish them with Thy Holy
Spirit, that they may piously live together according
to Thy divine will. May they be blessed in each
other, and both in the knowledge of Christ Thy Son,
and may they at last enter Thy blessed Kingdom :
Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

Then the Minister, taking their clasped hands between his, shall say: " .

IVTOW in the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy
-'-^ Ghost, whose servant I am, I pronounce you
husband and wife.

The Lord bless you, and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be
gracious unto you.

196 Marriage.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and
give you peace.

Then, still holding their hands, the Minister shall say to the company of wit-
nesses :

TirHAT therefore God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder.

" Let the Minister keep a proper raster for the names of all persons whom
he marries, and of the time of their marriage, for the perusal of all whom it
may concern."

THE

BURIAL OF THE DEAD

^ «> ♦ #■

THE SERVICE AT THE HOUSE.

One or more of wliicli may be read at discretion.

TT IS better to go to the house of mourning, than to
-^ go to the house of feasting : for that is the end
of all men ; and the living will lay it to his heart.

Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth
trouble spring out of the ground. See now, saith the
Lord, that I, even I am He, and there is no God with
Me. I kill, and I make alive ; I wound, and I heal ;
neither is there any that can deliver out of My
hand.

The Lord destroyeth the hope of man. The Lord
prevaileth against him, and he passeth. He changeth
his countenance, and sendeth him away.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not con-

198 Burial of the Dead.

sumed ; because His compassions fail not. Like as a
father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them
that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame ; He re-
membereth that we are dust.

Though He cause grief, yet will He have compas-
sion according to the multitude of His mercies. For
He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children
of men.

Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor
faint when thou art rebuked of Him : for whom the
Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom He receiveth. Now no chastening for the pres-
ent seemeth to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteous-
ness unto them which are exercised thereby. Where-
fore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees.

For we have not an High Priest which can not be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need.

Leave thy fatherless children, saith the Lord; I

Service at the House. i99 -

will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows trust in
Me.

A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the
widows, is God in His holy habitation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then
the Lord will take me up.

For an Infant:

And David said, While the child was yet alive, I
fasted and wept : for I said. Who can tell whether God
will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I
bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he
shall not return to me.

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away :
blessed be the Name of the Lord.

A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smok-
ing flax shall He not quench.

Let us pray.

prater.
f\ 1t0^ Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus
^ Christ, Who hath said. Blessed are they that
mourn, for they shall be comforted : Under the shadow

200l Burial of the Dead.

of Thy judgments we come to Thee, and acknowledge
Thee to be the Lord alone. Thou hast entered this
house with Thy chastenings : Oh ! be Thou nigh in
Thy tender compassion to these afflicted ones. Bless
Thy sorrowing servants with Thy consolations, which
are neither few nor small. Convert them wholly to
Thyself, and fill their bleeding hearts with Thy love.
Make the night of their grief to be light by Thy grace.
Deliver us Thy servants, we pray Thee, from the
bondage of our sins, that we may be free from fear
of death^ and be ready at Thy coming. Yea, Lord !
for Christ's sake, sanctify us by Thy Holy Spirit, that
whether we live, we may live unto the Lord, or whether
we die, we may die unto the Lord ; whether we live or
die, may we be the Lord's. Amen.

rpHE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you
-*- all. Amen.

THE

SERVICE AT THE CHURCH

[If the service be performed in whole at the house, then a part of the follow-
ing may be used in connection with the preceding form.]

Upon entering the church, when all shall have taken the attitude of prayer,
let the Ninetieth Psalm be read as an

INVOCATION.

T ORD, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all

-^ generations. Before the mountains were brought

forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the

world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art

God. Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sajest,

Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in

Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as

a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as

with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they

are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it

flourisheth and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut

down, and withereth. For we are consumed by Thine

anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast

set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the
9*

202 BUKIALOF THE DeAD.

light of Thy countenance. For all our days are
passed away in Thy wrath : we spend our years as a
tale that is told. The days of our years are three
score years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they
be four-score years, yet is their strength labour and
sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who
knoweth the power of Thine anger ? even according to
Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. So teach us to number
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Eeturn, 0 Lord ! how long ? and let it repent Thee
concerning Thy servants. 0 satisfy us early with Thy
mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast
afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy
glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the
Lord our God be upon us ; and estabhsh Thou the
work of our hands upon us : yea, the work of our
hands establish Thou it. Through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Hero may be sung a Funeral Hymn.

Then let there bo read two portions of Scripture, from the Gospels and tho
Epistles. The following are suitable passages :

Hear the comfortable words of the Gospel of our

Service at the Church. 203

Saviour Jesus Christ, as they are written in the
eleventh chapter of Saint John :

rpHEN said Mai-tha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst
-■- been here, my brother had not died. But I
know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of
God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her.
Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him,
I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection
at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the Resur-
rection, and the Life : he that believeth on Me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth
and believeth in Me, shall never die. Believest thou
this ? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord : I believe that
Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should
come into the world.

Or this:

Hear the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in
the fifth chapter of Saint John :

T7ERILY, verily, I say unto you. He that heareth

My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me,

hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condem-

. '*'0 M

204 BuRiALOF THE Dead.

nation ; but is passed from death unto life. Yerilj,
verilj, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now
is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of
God : and they that hear shall live. For as the
Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the
Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him
authority to execute judgment also, because He is the
Son of Man. Marvel not at this : for the hour is
coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall
hear His voice, and shall come forth ; they that have
done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they
that hate done evil, unto the resurrection of dam-
nation.

For an Infant:

Hear the comfortable words of our Saviour Jesus
Christ:

rpHEY brought young children to Him, that He
-■- should touch them : and His disciples rebuked
those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it,
He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer
the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them
not ; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Verily I
say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the King-

Service at the Church. 205

dom of God as a little child, he shall not enter
therein.

Or this:

rpAKE heed that ye despise not one of these little
-^ ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their
angels do always behold the face of My Father which
is in heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save
that which was lost. How think ye? If a man
have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray,
doth He not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into
the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray ?
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he
rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and
nine which went not astray. Even so, it is not the
will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of
these little ones should perish.

Then let the second portion of Scripture be reaiil, from 1 Corinthians, xv. :

H^ar also what the Apostle Paul saith :

IVTOW is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
-'-* first-fruits of them that slept. For since by
man came death, by Man came also the Resurrection
of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in

206 BUKIAL OF THE DeAD.

Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his
own order : Christ the first-fruits ; afterward they
that are Christ's, at His coming. — But some man will
say, How are the dead raised up ? and with what body
do they come ? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is
not quickened, except it die : and that which thou
sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but
bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other
grain : but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased
Him, and to every seed his own body. — So also is the
Resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption,
it is raised in incorruption : it is sown in dishonour,
it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is
raised in power : it is sown a natural body, it is raised
a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there
is a spiritual body. And so it is written. The first
man Adam was made a living soul ; the last Adam
was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not
first which is spiritual, but that which is natural ; and
afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of
the earth, earthy : the second Man is the Lord from
heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are
earthy : and as is the heavenly, such are they also
that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image

Service at the Church. 207

of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the
heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and
blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God : neither
doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show
you a mystery : We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortal-
ity. So when this corruptible shall have put on incor-
ruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is writ-
ten. Death is swallowed up in victory. 0 death,
where is thy sting ? 0 grave, where is thy victory ?
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is
the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the
victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Or this, from Revelation xx. :

Hear also the Revelation of St. John :

ND I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat
. on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven

208 Burial of the Dead.

fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before
God ; and the books were opened : and another book
was opened, which is the Book of life : and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in
the books, according to their works. And the sea
gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were jn them : and thej
were judged every man according to their works.

Or this, from Kevelation xxi. :

A ND I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the
-^ first heaven and the first earth were passed
away ; and there was no more sea. And I John saw
the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from
God. out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven,
saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men,
and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His
People, and God Himself shall be with them, and be
their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes ; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain : for the former things are passed away.

BUEIAL OF THE DeAD. 209

Let us praj.

PRAYER.

r\ GOD, whose days are without end, and whose
^ mercies can not be numbered : Make us, we be-
seech Thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and un-
certainty of human life ; and let Thy Holy Spirit lead
us through this vale of misery, in holiness and right-
eousness, all the days of our lives : that when we shall
have served Thee in our generation, we may be gath-
ered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good
conscience ; in the communion of the Christian Church ;
in the confidence of a certain faith ; in the comfort of
a reasonable, religious, and holy hope ; in favour with
Thee our God, and in perfect charity with the world :
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.

THE

SERVICE AT THE GRAVE

II /TAN goeth to his long home, and the mourners go
-^^-*- about the streets.

"What man is he that liveth, and shall not see
death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the
grave ?

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write :
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest
from their labours, and their works do follow them.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the powei
of God through faith unto salvation.

Service at the Grave. 211

At the time of burial, the Minister stiall say :

rpHE dust returns to dust, and the spirit unto God
-*- who gave it : therefore do we now commit the
body of our departed brother to the earth \or deep]
until that hour when earth and sea shall give up their
dead, at the coming of our Lord Jesus" Christ to judge
the world.
Let us pray.

A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God! we Thine un-
■^^ worthy servants beseech Thee for Christ's sake
to have mercy upon us. From the borders of the
grave we cry unto Thee ; for Christ's sake have mercy
upon us. It hath pleased Thee to call out of this
world the soul of our departed friend, whose body
we have now brought for his burial. We humbly en-
treat Thee that we may with true penitence of heart
receive the warning of Thy providence, and consider
that by reason of our guilt it is appointed unto us to
die, and that in a moment when we think not we may
appear before Thee. Yea, Lord, by reason of our
sins we lie in the midst of death. Spare us, 0 Lord,
0 most pitiful and long-suffering Lord God, spare us
a little longer, that we may take refuge in Christ,

212 Burial of the Dead.

abiding in Him, that when He shall appear we may
have confidence, and not be ashamed at His coming.
0 Merciful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
suffer none of us to live without godliness and die
without hope ; but constrain us mightily by Thy
love : that we,- being renewed by Thy grace, and
accepted through Christ's intercession, may walk be-
fore Thee in newness of life, and praise Thee for ever
among the Assembly of the Elect, where there shall
be no more death, and sorrow and sighing shall flee
away : which we implore for the sake of Him who has
taught us to say,.

/^UR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy
" Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de-
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

BENEDICTION.

OW the God of Peace, that brought again from
the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd

Service at the Grave. 213

of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to
do His will, working in you that which is- well-pleas-
ing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

It^.*

**#-

PUBLIC DISCIPLINE, ORDINATION,

&c., &c.

THE FORM

PUBLIC EXCOMMUNICATION

"When any member has been adjudged to be cut off from the communion
of the Church, it is proper that the sentence be publicly pronounced against
him.

"The Minister shall give the church or congregation a short narrative of the
several steps which have been taken with respect to their offending brother,
and inform them that it has been found necessary to cut him off from the
communion; and shall in the presence of the church or congregation pro-
nounce this sentence, in the following, or like form, viz. :

" lie shall begin by showing the authority of the Church to cast out un-
worthy members, from Matt, xviii. 15-18 ; 1 Cor. v. 1-5 ; and shall briefly ex-
plain the nature, use, and consequences of this censure ; warning the people
to avoid all unnecessary intercourse with him who is cast out."

ADDKESS.

/^UR Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Lawgiver of
^ the Church, hath commanded, that if a brother
trespass against us, we go and tell him his fault be-
tween us and him alone : and if he will not hear us,
that we then take with us one or two more, that in
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may-
be established ; and if he shall neglect to hear them,

that we tell it to the church ; and if he neglect to
10

218 The Form of

hear the Church, that he be to us as a heathen man,
and a publican. We are also directed, that we keep
not company, if any man that is called a. brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a
drunkard, or an extortioner ; with such an one no not
Jto eat. And that we withdraw ourselves from every
brother that walketh disorderly, and note that man,
and have no company with him, that he may be
ashamed. According to these laws of Christ, we
have admonished this offending brother, who hath
greatly sinned against God, and grieved and injured
the Church ; we have earnestly prayed, and patiently
waited for his repentance : but we have not prevailed.
For after all) he continueth impenitent, and will not
be persuaded to confess and forsake his sin.

"Then shall the Minister say:

" Tl WHEREAS A. B. hath been, by sufficient proof,
* ' convicted of [here state the offence]^ and,
after much admonition and prayer, obstinately refuseth
to hear the Church, and hath manifested no evidence
of repentance : Therefore, in the Name and by the
authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pronounce him
to be excluded from the communion of the Church."
Further, we exhort you, beloved brethren, to keep

Public Excommunication. 219

no company with him, that he may be ashamed; yet
count him not as an enemy, but at all times admonish
him as you would a brother. In the mean time let
every one take warning by this and such like examples,
to fear the^ Lord, and diligently take heed unto him-
self, if he thinketh he standeth, lest he fall : but
having true fellowship with the Father and His Son
Jesus Christ, together with all faithful Christians, re-
main stedfast therein to the end, and so obtain eternal
salvation.

'' After which, prayer shall be made that the blessing of God may follow His
ordinance, for the conviction and reformation of the excommunicated person,
and for the establishment of all true believers."

C1INCE then it is God that worketh in us, both to will
^ and to do of His good pleasure, let us call upon
His holy Name, with confession of our sins, saying,

n RIGHTEOUS God and Merciful Father, we
^^ bewail our sins before Thy high Majesty . and
acknowledge that we have deserved the grief and
sorrow caused unto us by the cutting off of this our
late fellow-member ; yea^ we all deserve, shouldst
Thou enter into judgment with us, by reason of our
great transgressions, to be cut off and banished from
Thy sight. But, 0 Lord, Thou art merciful unto us

220 Public Excommunication.

for Christ's sake : forgive us our trespasses, for we
heartily repent of them ; and daily work in our hearts
a greater measure of sorrow for them : that we,
fearing Thy judgments which Thou executest against
the stiff-necked, may endeavour to please Thee. Grant
us grace to avoid all pollution of the world, and those
who are cut off from the communion of the Church,
that we may not make ourselves partakers of their
sins : and that he who is excommunicated may become
ashamed of his sins. And since Thou desirest not
the death of a sinner, but that he may repent and live,
and the bosom of Thy Church is always open for those
who turn away from their wickedness, we therefore
humbly beseech Thee to kindle in our hearts a pious
zeal, that we may labour, with Christian admonitions
and examples, to bring again this excommunicated
person into the right way, together with all those who,
through unbelief or dissoluteness of life, go astray.

Give Thy blessing to our admonition, that we may
have reason to rejoice again in him for whom we now
mourn : and that Thy holy Name may be praised,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath thus taught
us to pray :

Our Father, etc.

THE FORM

PUBLIC REPENTANCE.

" When any one who hath been excommunicated shall be so aflfected with
his state as to be brought to repentance, and to desire to be re-admitted to the
privileges of the Church, the Session, having obtained sufficient evidence of
his sincere penitence, shall, with the advice and concurrence of the Presby-
tery, restore him. In order to which, the Minister shall, on two Lord's days
previous thereto, inform the congregation of the measures which have been
taken with the excommunicated person, and of the resolution of the Session
to receive him again to the communion of the Church.

" On the day appointed for his restoration, when the other parts of divine
service are ended, before pronouncing the blessing, the Minister shall call upon
the excommunicated person, and propose to him, in the presence of the con-
gregation, the following questions :

" T^O you, from a deep sense of your great wicked-
-^ ness, freely confess your sin, in thus rebelling
against God, and in refusing to hear His Church : and
do you acknowledge that you have bee^ in justice and
mercy cut off from the communion of the saints ?

" Answer. I do.

'' Do you now voluntarily profess your sincere re-
pentance and deep contrition, for your sin and obsti-

222 The Form of

nacy : and do you humbly ask the forgiveness of God,
and of His Church ?

^^ Answer, I do.

'^^ Do you sincerely promise, through Divine grace,
to live in all humbleness of mind and circumspection ;
and to endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God our
Saviour, by having your conversation as becometh the
Gospel? . , .. , .

^' Answer. I do.

" Here the Minister shall give the penitent a suitable exhortation, addressing
him in the bowels of brotherly love, encouraging and comforting him."

"pE therefore assured in thy heart, my beloved
■^ brother, that the Lord hath again received thee
in mercy. Be diligent henceforth to guard thyself,
that thou mayst not fall again into sin : love Christ,
for many sins are forgiven thee.

"Then he shall pronounce the sentence of restoration, in the following
■words :

" TirHEREAS you, A. B., have been shut out from
' ' th^ communion of the faithful, but have now
manifested such repentance as satisfies the Church t
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His
authority, I declare you absolved from the sentence

Public Kepentance. 223

formerly denouneed against you ; and I do receive you
into the communion of the Church, that you may be
a partaker of all the benefits of the Lord Jesus, to
your eternal salvation.

"The -Nvliole shall be concluded with prayer."

\ ND you, beloved Christians, receive this your
■^■*- brother with hearty affection ; count him no
longer as a stranger, but as a fellow-citizen- with the
saints, and of the household of God. And whereas
we can have no good of ourselves, let us praise and
magnify the Lord Almighty, and implore His mercy,
saying,

nRACIOUS God and Father, we thank Thee
^ through Jesus Christ our Lord, that Thou hast
been pleased to give unto this our fellow-Christian re-
pentance unto life, and unto us occasion to rejoice in his
conversion. We beseech Thee, show him Thy mercy,
that he may become more and more assured of the re-
mission of his sins, and that he may receive from
thence inexpressible joy and delight, to serve Thee.
And whereas he hath heretofore by his sins offended
many, grant that he may, by his conversion, edify

224 Public Eepentance.

many. May he stedfastly i^alk in Thy ways, unto the
end ; and may we learn from this example, that with
Thee is mercy, that Thou mayest be feared ; so that
we, counting him for our brother and fellow -heir of
eternal life, may unitedly serve Thee with filial fear
and obedience all the days of our life, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, in whose Name we thus conclude our
prayer — Our Father, etc.

THE FORM

ORDAINING ELDERS AND DEACONS

If ordained separately, this form may be used as occasion shall require.

" When any person shall have been elected to either of these offices, and shall

have declared his willingness to accept thereof, he shall be set apart in the

following manner :
" After sermon, the Minister shall state, in a, concise manner, the warrant and

nature of the office of ruling Elder or Deacon, together with the character.

proper to be sustained and the duties to be fulfilled by the officer elect."

TIELOVED Christians, you know that we have sev-
■^ eral times published unto you the names of our
brethren here present who are chosen to the office of
Elders and Deacons in this Church, that we might
know whether any person had aught to allege why
they should not be set apart to their respective offices.
And whereas no lawful objection hath been alleged
against them, we shall in the Name of the Lord pro-
ceed to induct them into the same.

But first we invite your attention to a short declar-
ation from the Word of God, concerning the office and
10*

226 Okdination of

duties of Elders and Deacons. The word Elder,
which is derived from the Old Testament, and signi-
fies a person who is placed in an honourable office of
government over others, is applied to two sorts of per-
sons who minister in the Church of Jesus Christ ; for
the Apostle saith : " Let the elders that rule well be
accounted worthy of double honour, especially they
who labour in the Word and doctrine." Hence it is
evident that there were two sorts of Elders in the
Apostolic Church : the former whereof did labour in
the Word and doctrine, and the latter did not. The
first were the Ministers of the Word, and Pastors, who
preached the Word and administered the Sacraments ;
but the others, though they did not labour in the
Word, yet served the Church by taking the oversight
thereof, and ruling the same with the Ministers of the
Word. For St. Paul, having spoken of the Ministry
of the Word of reconciliation, and also of the office of
distribution or Deaconship, speaketh afterwards par-
ticularly of this office, saying: "He that ruleth, let
him do it with diligence." In another place, he
counts " governments" among the gifts and offices
which God hath instituted in His Church. In like
manner we find the Apostle exhorting the Elders of

Elders and Deacons. 227

the Church of Ephesus, to '' take heed unto them-
selves and to all the flock over the which the Holy
Ghost had made them overseers."

It is moreover proper that such officers should be
joined to the Ministers of the Word in the govern-
ment of the Church, that there may be no lording
over God's heritage ; which can sooner creep in when
the government is in the hands of one, or a very few.
And thus the Ministers of the Word, together with
the Elders, form an Assembly or Council of the
Church, representing the whole Body, to which Christ
alludes when He saith, ''Tell the Church;" which
can in no wise be understood of all and every member
of the Church in particular, but very properly of
those who govern the Church out of which they are
chosen.

Therefore, in the first place, the office of the Elders
is, together with the Ministers of the Word, to take
the episcopacy or oversight of the Church which is
committed to them. In the discharge of their duties,
they are to admit to its communion such as profess
faith in Christ and repentance for their sins ; diligent-
ly to look whether every one properly deports him-
self in his doctrine and life ; to admonish those who

228 Ordinationof

behave disorderly ; to prevent as much as possible the
Sacrament from being profaned ; to exercise the dis-
cipline of the Church against such as offend ; and to
receive them again when penitent to the household of
faith.

Secondly, Since the Apostle enjoineth that all
things shall be done decently and in order, therefore it
is also the duty of the Elders to pay regard to all
Christian ordinances ; and in all things which relate
to the welfare of the Church, to assist the Ministers
of the Word with good counsel, to visit the sick, com-
fort the afflicted, and to be faithful advisers of all the
flock committed to their care.

Thirdly, It is their duty particularly to have regard
unto the doctrine and life of the Ministers of the
Word, that all things may be directed to the edifica-
tion of the Church ; and that no strange doctrine be
taught, according to that which we read where tlie
Apostle exhorteth the Elders to watch diligently
against the wolves who might come into the sheepfold
of Christ : for the performance of which the Elders
are in duty bound diligently to search the Word of
God, and continually to be meditating on the mysteries
of faith.

Elders and Deacons. 229

, Concerning the Deacons : Of the origin and insti-
tution of their office we may read in the sixth chapter
of the Acts : where we find that the Apostles them-
selves did in the beginning serve the poor ; for at their
feet was brought the price of the things that were
sold, and distribution was made unto every man ac-
cording as he had need. But afterwards, when a mur-
muring arose, because the widows of the Grecians were
neglected in the daily ministration, men were chosen
by the advice of the Apostles, who should make the
service of the poor their peculiar business : to the end
that the Apostles might continually give themselves to
prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word. And this
has been continued from that time forward in the
Church ; as appears from Romans xii., where the
Apostle, speaking of this office, saith : "He that giv-
eth, let him do it with simplicity." And speaking of
"helps," he means those who are appointed in the
Church to help and assist the poor and indigent in
time of need.

From these passages we may easily gather what the
Deacons' office is. In the first place, it is their duty
to collect and preserve with the greatest fidelity and
diligence the alms which are given to the poor, and

280 Ordination OF

that thej endeavour that sufficient means be provided
for the same. The second part of their office consists
in distribution : wherein not only is godlj discretion
required, to bestow the alms only on the proper ob-
jects of charity, but also cheerfulness and simplicity,
to assist the poor with becoming sympathy, hearty
affection, and also with comfortable words from Scrip-
ture^— all which the Apostle requires when speaking
of the duties of this office.

To the end, therefore, beloved brethren , ,

that every one may hear that you are willing to take
your respective offices upon you, ye shall answer to
the following questions :

" "TiO you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New

•^^ Testaments to be the Word of God, the only
infallible rule of faith and practice ?

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession
of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ?

Do you approve of the government and discipline
of the Presbyterian Church in these United States ?

Do you accept the office of ruling Elder [or
Deacon, as the case may be] in this congregation,

Elders and Deacons. 231

and promise faithfully to perform all the duties
thereof?

Do you promise to study the peace, unity, and
purity of the Church ?

" The Elder or Deacon elect having answered these questions in the. aflBrma-
tive, the Minister shall address to the members of the Church the following
question :

'' "TiO you, the members of this Church, acknowledge
-^ and receive this brother as a ruling Elder [or
Deacon], and do you promise to yield him all that
honour, encouragement, and obedience, in the Lord,
to which his office, according to the Word of God, and
the constitution of this Church, entitles him ?

" The members of the Church having answered this question in the affirma-
tive, by holding up their right hands, the Minister shall proceed to set apart
the candidate, by prayer, to the office of ruling Elder, or Deacon, as the case
may be."

Let us pray.

PRAYER.

r\ LORD God, our Heavenly Father ! we thank
^ Thee that it hath pleased Thee, for the better
edification of Thy Church, to ordain in it, besides the
Ministers of the Word, rulers and assistants, by

232 Ordination of

whom Thy Church may be preserved in peace and
prosperity, and the indigent assisted ; and that Thou
hast at present granted us, in this place, men who
are of good report, and we hope endowed with Thy
Spirit. We beseech Thee, replenish them more and
more with such gifts as are necessary for them in
their ministration : with the gifts of wisdom, courage,
discretion, and benevolence; to the end that every
one may, in his respective office, acquit himself as is
becoming: The Elders, in taking diligent heed unto
the doctrine and conversation, in keeping out the
wolves from the sheep-fold of Thy beloved Son, and in
admonishing and reproving disorderly persons. In
like manner the Deacons, in carefully receiving, and
liberally and prudently distributing the alms to the
poor, and in comforting them with Thy holy Word.
Give grace both to the Elders and to the Deacons,
that they may persevere in their faithful labour, and
never become weary by reason of any trouble, pain,
or persecution of the world. Grant also Thy divine
grace to this people over whom they are placed, that
they may willingly submit themselves to the good ex-
hortations of the Elders, counting them worthy of
honour for their work's sake. Give also unto them

Elders and Deacons. 233

liberal hearts toward the poor, and to the poor grateful
hearts toward those who help and serve them : to the
end that ever j one acquitting himself of his duty, Thy
holy Name may thereby be magnified, and the king-
dom of Thy Son Jesus Christ enlarged, in whose
Name we conclude our prayer.

To be said by tlie Minister and People.

/^UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de-
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

" The Minister, having set apart the candidate by prayer, shall give to him
and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion. if-

. " Where there is an existing Session, it is proper that the members of that
body, at the close of the service, and in the face of the congregation, take the
newly-ordaincd Elder by the hand, saying in words to this purpose :

E give you the right hand of fellowship, to take
part of this office with us."

THE FORM

FOE OBDAININa

MINISTERS OF THE WORD OP GOD.

" The day appointed for Ordination being come, and the Presbytery con-
vened, a member of the Presbytery previously appointed to that duty shall
preach a sermon adapted to the occasion. The same, or another member ap-
pointed to preside, shall afterwards briefly recite from the pulpit, in the au-
dience of the people, the proceedings of the Presbytery preparatory to this
transaction : he shall point out the nature and importance of this ordinance,
and endeavour to impress the audience with a proper sense of the solemnity
of the transaction."

ADDRESS.

"nELOYED brethren, attend to a short declaration
-*-^ taken from the holy Scriptures, touching the
Ministry of reconciliation and the pastoral office.
^ We are not to look for the origin of this office in
human appointment, but in God, our heavenly Father,
who, being willing to call and gather a Church from
among the corrupt race of men into life eternal, doth,
by a particular mark of His favour, use the ministry
of men therein. Accordingly, our Lord Jesus Christ,
shortly before His ascension to heaven, gave to His
Apostles the commission, "Go ye therefore and teach

Ordination of Ministers. 235

all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : and lo I I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world.''
Therefore St. Paul saith that the Lord Jesus Christ
hath given ''some, Apostles; and some. Prophets;
and some, Evangelists ; and some, Pastors and Teach-
ers : for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of
the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ."
Thus we see that the Pastoral office is an institution
of Christ.

In the Ministry, thus divinely appointed, there is
no superiority of rank or diversity of order ; hut all
are possessed of the same authority, dignity, and
power : being equally clothed with the right of preach-
ing the Gospel, of administering the Sacraments and
discipline of Christ's house, and of ordaining others to
the same office. ^

What this holy office of Pastor enjoins, may easily
be gathered from the very name itself : for, as it is
the duty of the shepherd to feed, guide, protect, and
rule the flock committed to his charge, so it is with
regard to these spiritual shepherds who are set over
the Church which God calleth unto salvation, and ac-
counts as sheep of His pasture.

286 Ordination of

The pasture with which these sheep are fed is the
Preaching of the Gospel, accompanied with prayer and
the administration of the holy Sacraments. The same
Word of God is likewise the staff with which the flock
is guided and ruled. Therefore the ofiice of Pastors
and Ministers of God's Word is —

Fii^st. That they shall faithfully explain to their
flocks the Word of the Lord, revealed by the
writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and apply the
same to tho edification of the hearers : instructing,
admonishing, comforting, and reproving according to
every one's need, preaching repentance towards God,
and reconciliation to Him through faith in Christ;
and refuting from the holy Scriptures all schisms and
heresies which are repugnant to the pure doctrine.
All this is clearly signified to us in holy writ : for the
Apostle Paul saith that these '' labour in the word ;"
and elsewhere he teacheth that this must be done
" according to the measure," or rule, '' of faith." He
writes also that a Pastor must ''rightly divide the
Word of Truth." In another place he proposes him-
self as a pattern to Pastors, declaring that he hath
''publicly, and from house to house, taught and testi-
fied repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord

Ministers. 237

Jesus Christ." But particularly we have a clear
description of their office, where the Apostle thus
speaketh : '' And all things are of God, who hath re-
conciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given
to us the Ministry of reconciliation ; to wit, that God
was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath com-
mitted unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then
we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did
beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be
ye reconciled to God."

So also concerning the refutation of false doctrine,
the same Apostle saith, that a Minister must "hold
fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he
may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to con-
vince the gainsayers."

Secondly. It is the office of the Ministers publicly
to call upon the Name of the Lord in behalf of the
whole Congregation. For that which, the Apostles say,
' ' We ^ill give ourselves continually to prayer and to
the Ministry of the Word," is common to these Pas-
tors TNith the Apostles : to which St. Paul alluding
speaketh thus to Timothy : "I exhort therefore, that,
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and

238 Ordinationof

giving of thanks be made for all men ; for kings and„
for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 4 for
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour."

Thirdly. Their office is to administer the Sacra-
ments which the Lord hath instituted as seals of His
grace. As is evident from the command given by
Christ to the Apostles, and in them to all Pastors :
" Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Likewise the
Apostle, speaking of the institution of the Lord's
Supper, saith, " For I have received of the Lord that
which also I delivered unto you."

Finally. It is the duty of the Ministers of the
Word, together with the other Elders, to maintain the
discipline of the Church ; and to govern it in such
manner as the Lord hath ordained. For Christ hav-
ing spoken of the Christian discipline, says to His
Apostles: "Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven." This is the reason why the
Pastors are in Scripture called " Stewards of God,"
and " Bishops :" for they have the oversight of the
house of God, to the end that every thing may be

Ministers. 239

done decently and in order ; and also have authority
to open and shut with the keys committed to them the
Kingdom of Heaven, according to the charge given
them by God.

From these things may be learned what a glorious
work the Ministerial office is ; yea, how highly neces-
sary it is for man's salvation : which is also the reason
why the Lord wills that such an office should always
remain. For Christ said, when He sent forth His
Apostles to officiate in this holy function, '' Lo ! I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world;"
where we see His pleasure is, that this holy office
should always be maintained on earth. And therefore
St. Paul exhorteth Timothy, to "commit the things
that he had heard of him to faithful men who should
be able to teach others :" as he also, having ordained
Titus a Minister, further commanded him '' to ordain
Elders in every city."

Forasmuch therefore as we, for the maintaining of
this office in the Church of God, are now to ordain a
new Minister of the Word, and have sufficiently
spoken of the office of such persons, therefore you,

beloved brother , shall answer to the following

questions which shall be proposed to you, to the end

240 Okdination OF

that it may appear to all here present that you are in-
clined to accept this oflSce as it has been described.

'' "TjO you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New

^^ Testaments to be the Word of God, the only
infallible rule of faith and practice ?

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession
of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ?

Do you approve of the government and discipline
of the Presbyterian Church in these United States ?

Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the
Lord?

Have you been induced, as far as you know your
own heart, to seek the office of the holy Ministry from
love to God, and a sincere desire to promote His glory
in the Gospel of His Son ?

Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in main-
taining the truths of the Gospel, and the purity and
peace of the Church : whatever persecution or opposi-
tion may arise unto you on that account ?

Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the ex-
ercise of all private and personal duties, which become
you as a Christian and a Minister of the Gospel ; as

Ministers. 241

"well as in all relative duties, and the public duties
of jour office : endeavouring to adorn the profession
of the Gospel b j your conversation ; and walking with
exemplary piety before the flock over which God shall
make you overseer ?

Are you now willing to take the charge of this con-
gregation, agreeably to your declaration at accepting
their call ? And do you promise to discharge the
duties of a Pastor to them, as God shall give you
strength ? ■

" The Candidate having answered these questions in the affirmative, the Pre-
siding Minister shall propose to the people the following questions :

"D"

you, the people of this congregation, continue

to profess* your readiness to receive ,

whom you have called to be your Minister ?

Do you promise to receive the Word of truth from
his mouth, with meekness and love ; and to submit to
him in the due exercise of discipline ?

Do you promise to encourage him in his arduous
labour, and to assist his endeavours for your instruc-
tion and spiritual edification ?

And do you engage to continue to him, while he is
your Pastor, that competent worldly maintenance
which you have promised ; and whatever else you may

242 Ordination of

see needful for the honour of religion, and his comfort
among you ?

" The people having answered these questions in the affirmative, (by holding
up their right hands,) the Candidate shall kneel down in the most conve-
nient part of the church. Then the Presiding Minister shall, hy prayer, and
with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, according to the Apos-
tolic example, solemnly ordain him to the holy office of the Gospel Min-
istry.

*' As it is sometimes desirable and important that a candidate who has not re-
ceived a call to be the pastor of a particular congregation, should neverthe-
less be ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry, as an Evangelist to
preach the GoSpel, administer Sealing Ordinances, and organize churches, in
frontier or desolate settlements ; in this case, the last of the preceding ques-
tions [and the questions to the people] shall be omitted, and the following
used aS a substitute : viz.,

*^ Are you now willing to undertake the work of an
Evangelist ; and do you promise to discharge the du-
ties which may be incumbent on you in this character,
as God shall give you strength ?"

Let us pray.

%^ THE ORDAININa PRAYER.

r\ LORD, to Whom all power is given in heaven and
" in earth ! Thou art the Eternal Son of the Fa-
ther; Who hast so loved Thy Church, that to redeem
and purify it Thou didst humble Thyself to the death
of the Cross, and there shed Thy most innocent
blood. And to retain this Thy most excellent benefit
in memory. Thou hast appointed in Thy Church pas-
tors and teachers, to instruct, admonish, and comfort

Ministers. 243

Thy people. Look upon us mercifully, 0 Lord, Thou
only King, Teacher, and High Priest to Thine own
flock ; and send unto this Thy servant our brother,
whom in Thy Name we set apart and ordain, such a
portion of Thy Holy Spirit, that he may rightly di-
vide Thy Word, to the instruction of Thy flock, and
the overthrow of error and vice. Give unto him,
good Lord, Thy grace and wisdom, whereby the ene-
mies of Thy truth may be confounded, the blind and
ignorant edified, and Thy sheep fed in the wholesome
pastures of Thy most Holy "VYord. Multiply Thy
graces upon him. Illuminate him with Thy Holy
Spirit. Comfort and strengthen him in all virtue.
Govern and guide his ministry, to the praise of Thy
Holy Name, the promotion of Thy Kingdom, the com-
fort of Thy Church, and to the plain discharge of his
own conscience in the day of the Lord Jesus : To
Whom, with the Father and with the Holy Ghost, be
all honour, praise, and glory, now and ever. Amen.

«' Prayer being ended, he shall rise from his knees ; and the Minister who pre-
sides shall first, and afterward all the members of the Presbytery in their
order, take him by the right hand, saying, in words to this purpose,

E give you the right hand of fellowship, to take
part of this ministry with us."

244 Ordination of

•' After which the Minister presiding, or some other appointed for the purpose,
shall give a solemn charge in the Name of God to the newly-ordained
Bishop, and to the people, to persevere in the discha.'ge of their mutual
duties."

CHARGE TO THE NEWLY-ORDAINED MINISTER, AND
THE CONGREGATION.

rpAKE heed, therefore, beloved brother, and fellow-
-*- servant in Christ, unto thyself and to all the
flock, over the which the Holj Ghost hath made thee
overseer ; to feed the Church of God, which He hath
purchased with His own blood. Love Christ, and feed
His sheep, taking the oversight thereof not bj con-
straint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a
ready mind, neither as being lord over God's heritage,
but being an ensample to the flock. Be thou an ex-
ample of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attend-
ance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect
not the gift that is in thee, meditate upon these things,
give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may
appear to all : take heed unto the doctrine, and con-
tinue stedfast therein. Bear patiently all sufierings
and oppressions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ ; for
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them
that hear thee. And when the chief Shepherd shall

Ministers. 24 -y

appear, thou shalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth
not away.

A ND you likewise, beloved Christians, receive this
-^^ your Minister in the Lord with all gladness, and
hold such in reputation. Remember that God Him-
self through Him speaketh unto you and beseecheth
you. Receive the Word, which he, according to the
Scripture, shall preach unto you, not as the word of
men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God. Let
the feet of those that preach the Gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things, be beautiful and
pleasant unto you. Obey them that have the rule
over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that they
may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is un-
profitable for you. If you do these things, it shall
come to pass, that the peace of God shall enter into
your houses, and that you who receive this man in the
name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward,
and through his preaching, believing in Christ, shall
through Christ inherit life eternal.

"Then the presiding Minister shall, by prayer, recommend both the newly-
ordained Minister and the congregation, to the grace of God, and His holy
keeping."

♦

246 Ordination OF

Let us pray.

PRAYER.

■jl /TERCIFUL Father, we thank Thee that it pleas-
-'-'-*- eth Thee, by the ministry of men, to gather a
Church to Thyself unto life eternal, from amongst the
children of men. We bless Thee for so graciously
providing the church in this place with a faithful
Minister. We beseech Thee to qualify him daily more
and more by Thy Holy Spirit, for the ministry to
which Thou hast ordained and called him. Enlighten
his understanding to comprehend Thy holy Word, and
give him utterance, that he may boldly open his
mouth, to make known and dispense the mysteries of
the Gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valour, to
rule the people aright over whom he is set, and to pre-
serve them in Christian peace, to the end that Thy
Church, under his administration and by his good ex-
ample, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant
him courage to bear the difficulties and troubles which
be may meet with in his ministry, that being strength-
ened by the comfort of Thy Spirit, he may remain
stedfast to the end, and be received with all faithful
servants into the joy of his Lord. Give Thy grace
also to this people and church, that they may becom-

Ministers. 247

inglj deport themselves towards this their Minister ;
that they may acknowledge him to be sent of Thee ;
that they may receive his doctrine with all reverence,
and submit themselves to his exhortations : To the end
that they may by his Word, believing in Christ, be
made partakers of eternal life. Hear us, 0 Father,
through Thy beloved Son, who hath thus taught us to
pray: ,

THE lord's PRAYER;

To be said by the Minister and People.

/^UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

" Finally, after singing a Psalm, lie shall dismiss the congregation with the
usual"

BLESSING.

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.

THE FORM

FOE THE

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

ADDRESS.

"FIOR the advancement of His glory in the salvation
-*- of the children of men, it hath mercifully pleased
the great Head of the Church, not only to ordain the
Ministry of reconciliation, but to institute various
offices in His Church. Accordingly, the Apostle de-
clares that the Lord Jesus Christ hath given some,
" apostles ; and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ;
and some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify-
ing of the body of Christ." The offices thus enumer-
ated are both extraordinary and ordinary : The for-
mer have ceased, as the occasions Avhich called for
their services have passed; but the latter continue,
and will remain in the Church during the entire dis-
pensation of grace. These ordinary and perpetual

Installation. 249

officers are teachers and bishops, or pastors. The pas-
toral office is the first in the Church both in dignity
and usefulness. It is constituted by the Head of the
Church, when one of His ministering servants is set
over a particular church or people as their spiritual
teacher, shepherd, and overseer. It belongs to his
office to pray for and with his people, as their mouth
unto God ; to read the sacred Scriptures publicly in
the sanctuary to the people ; to feed the flock com-
mitted to his charge with the pure Word of God ; to
dispense the holy Sacraments agreeably to the insti-
tution of Christ ; to maintain Christian discipline ; to
edify the congregation, and especially the youth, by
catechetical and biblical instruction ; to administer
comfort to the sick and afflicted ; to lead the inquiring
and troubled in mind to the Lord Jesus Christ : and
as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, to fulfil the
whole work of the Gospel ministry.

In the discharge of these duties, he is entitled to the
cordial co-operation of the people of his charge, and
more especially of the elders, deacons, and members
of the church. They should see that he is so sus-
tained as to be free from distracting, worldly cares ;

should cherish towards him all suitable respect; be
11*

250 Installation.

bound to him in ardent affection; be tender of his
reputation; assistant to him in their counsels; wait
upon his ministry with punctuality and attention ;
commend him and his labours, by prayer, to the bless-
ing of the God of all grace : and, in every possible
manner, endeavour to be fellow-helpers with him in
saving souls and advancing the kingdom of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Thus, while the pastoral office requires on the part
of him who is honoured with it, all faithfulness, dili-
gence, care, and circumspection, it demands, on the
part of the people, all proper support, encouragement,
and obedience in the Lord towards him who is set
over them. These mutual duties are enjoined by the
Apostle when he exhorts : '' Obey them that have the
rule over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch
for your souls, as they that must give account, that
they may do it with joy and not with grief;" and
again, "We beseech you to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and to
esteem them very highly in love for their works'

Forasmuch, then, as you, beloved brother, have
been regularly called by the proper authorities to

Installation. 251

take charge of this church, and you have signified
your acceptance of this call, we shall now, in the
Name of the Lord, propose to you the following
questions :

'' A RE you now willing to take the charge of this
■^■^ congregation, as their pastor, agreeably to your
declaration at accepting their call ?

Do you conscientiously believe and declare, as far as
you know your own heart, that in taking upon you
this charge, you are influenced by a sincere desire to
promote the glory of God, and the good of His
Church?

Do you solemnly promise, that, by the assistance of
the grace of God, you will endeavour faithfully to dis-
charge all the duties of a pastor to this congregation ;
and will be careful to maintain a deportment in all
respects becoming a Minister of the Gospel of Christ,
agreeably to your Ordination engagements?

" To all these, having received satisfactory answers, the Presiding Minister
shall say :

CD, our heavenly Father, who hath called thee
to the office of the Ministry, and to take the

252 Installation.

oversight of this church, enlighten thee with His
Holy Spirit, strengthen thee with His hand, and so
govern thee in thy Ministry, that thou mayest decently
and fruitfully walk therein, to the glory of His Name,
and to the advancement of the Kingdom of His Son
Jesus Christ. Amen.

"Then he shall propose to the people the same or like questions as those di-
rected under the head of Ordination [page 245] ; which, having been also
satisfactorily answered, by holding up the right hand in testimony of assent,
he shall solemnly pronounce and declare the said Minister to be regularly
constituted the Pastor of that congregation. A charge shall then be given
to both parties, as directed in the case of Ordination ; and after prayer [as in
that form], and singing a Psalm adapted to the transaction, the congregation
Bhall be dismissed with the usual"

BENEDICTION.

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,

be with you all. Amen.

THE OFFICE

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

PREFACE.

npHUS saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne,
-*- and the earth is My footstool : where is the
house that ye build unto Me ? and where is the place
of My rest? For all those things hath Mine hand
made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord ;
but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor
and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.

INVITATION.

TTAVING therefore this promise, dearly beloved,
'^-^ let us draw near with a true heart, in full assu-
rance of faith, and make known our requests unto
God.

INVOCATION.

A LMIGHTY God, Who hast promised to be pre-
■^^ sent with Thy people, and to grant their re-

254 Dedication of

quests in the Name of Thj well-beloved Son : Look
down, we beseech Thee, upon us, and for the sake of
Him who is our only Saviour and Mediator with Thee,
fulfil Thy promise in our behalf : that our thoughts
being lifted up, and our desires drawn forth unto
Thee, we may seek Thee acceptably this day : Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To be said by the Minister and People.

/^UK Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we for-
give our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Then follows the singing of a Psalm, or Hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

Next the reading of Scripture out of the Old and New Testaments.
The following is an appropriate selection :

1 Kings, yiii. 22-63. Heb. x. 19-27.

After which the General Prayer, which may be extemporaneous, or selected
from the forms for Divine Service on the Lord's Day.

Then let there be sung a Hymn before the

SERMON.

A Church. 255

At the close of which the Minister shall call upon the people to arise, and
dedicate their house to the Triune God.

. PRAYER OP DEDICATION.

TTOLY, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which is,
-'--^ and was, and is to come : the whole earth is full
of Thy glory ! Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness, and
the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the
majesty ; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth
is Thine. Now, therefore, we thank Thee, 0 God,
and praise Thy glorious Name.

But who are we, that we should be able to offer so
willingly after this sort? For all things come of
Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee. 0 Lord
our God, all this store that we have prepared to build
Thee an house for Thy holy Name, cometh of Thy
hand and is all Thine own.

Now behold, 0 Lord our God, and look unto this
place where we are gathered in Thy Name ; and have
respect to the prayer of Thy servants and to their sup-
plication, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer that
Thy servants pray before Thee this day, to take for
Thine own this house which we would give Thee !

O Lord God, Who art from everlasting to everlast-
ing, and Whose kingdom is without end. Maker of

256 Dedication OF

heaven and earth and sea^ and all that in them is ;
King of kings and Lord of lords, Lawgiver, Defender,
and Judge alone : to Thee we dedicate it.

Hoi J and blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost ; three Persons in one God : to Thee we dedi-
cate it.

Father of all who believe in Jesus, and God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, here meet Thou
with Thy children, teach them, strengthen them, and
bless them : to Thee we dedicate it.

Son of God, the Only-begotten of the Father, Head
over all things, the Lord our Righteousness, Saviour,
Shepherd, High Priest, and Advocate, here draw all
men unto Thee ; here sprinkle Thy ransomed ones
with Thine atoning blood ; here make Thy flock to lie
down in green pastures beside the living waters ; here
be Thou a shadow from the heat and a refuge from the
tempest ; and, while Thy people worship in the outer
sanctuary, pray for them within the Holiest of all : to
Thee we dedicate it.

Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the
Son, Who didst come down upon our Lord Jesus beside
Jordan, and upon the Church at the Pentecost, Who
takest up Thine abode in all behevers, Comforter, In-

A Church. 257

spirer, Sanctifier, here display Thy power, succeed
Thy truth, give hope to the penitent and gladness to
the mourner. Subdue Thy foes, hallow Thy Church,
and accomplish all the glory of redemption : to Thee
we dedicate it.

Arise, 0 Lord, into Thy rest. Thou and the ark of
Thy strength !

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the
earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens
cannot contain Thee ; how much less this house which
we have builded ? Yet dwellest Thou also with him
that is of a contrite and humble spirit. So be Thine
eyes opened toward this house night and day ; and to-
ward the place of which Thou hast said. My Name
shall be there ; and hearken Thou unto the supplica-
tion of Thy servants and of Thy people Israel when
they shall pray toward this place ; and hear Thou in
heaven. Thy dwelling-place ; and when Thou hearest,
forgive. Dwell Thou with us in Thy tabernacle, while
we are yet in the wilderness ; then take us up to Thy
house in heaven, that we may dwell with Thee for
ever.

Give ear, 0 Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest

25S Dedication of a Church.

Joseph like a flock : Thou that dwellest between the
cherubim, shine forth.

How dreadful is this place ! This is none other but
the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven !

SCRIPTURAL

AND OTHER

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS

SCRIPTURAL PRAYERS.

CONFESSION.

E merciful unto us, 0 Lord, for we cry unto Thee.
If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, 0
Lord, who shall stand ? But there is forgiveness with
Thee, that Thou majest be feared. Show us Thy
mercy, 0 Lord, and grant us Thy salvation. Enter
not into judgment with Thy servants, for in Thy sight
shall no man living be justified. We acknowledge, 0
Lord, our wickedness. We have sinned, we have com-
mitted iniquity, we have done wickedly, from our
youth even unto this day. Our transgressions are
multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us.
But with Thee there is mercy, and plenteous redemp-
tion. Remember not the sins of our youth, nor our
transgressions : according to Thy mercy remember
Thou us, for Thy goodness' sake, 0 Lord. Cause us
to hear Thy loving-kindness ; cause us to know the

262 ScRiPTUKAL Prayers.

way wherein we should walk. Teach us to do Thy
will : for Thou art our God. Hear Thou from heaven
Thy dwelling-place^ and when ThoTj hearest, forgive !
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Same.
r\ LORD, we do not present our supplications before
^ Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great
mercies. To Thee belong mercies and forgivenesses,
though we have rebelled against Thee, neither have
we obeyed Thy voice, to walk in Thy laws. We have
sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done
wickedly, and have rebelled, by departing from Thy
precepts, and from Thy judgments. 0 Lord, right-
eousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion
of face. Now therefore, 0 God, incline Thine ear,
and hear ; open Thine eyes, and behold. Remember
not against us former iniquities : let Thy tender mer-
cies speedily prevent us. 0 Lord, hear! 0 Lord,
forgive ! Help us, 0 God of our salvation, for the
glory of Thy Name ; and deliver and purge away our
sins, for Thy Name's sake : Through Jesus Christ our
Lord.

Scriptural Prayers. 263

The Same.

HAVE mercy upon us, 0 God, according to Thy
loving-kindness ; according unto the multitude of
Thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash
us thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from
our sin. For we acknowledge our transgressions :
against Thee, Thee only have we sinned. Create in us
a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within
us. Cast us not away from Thy presence ; and take
not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Restore unto us the
joy of Thy salvation, and uphold us with Thy free
Spirit. Then will we teach transgressors Thy ways ;
and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. 0 Lord,
open Thou our lips ; and our mouth shall show forth
Thy praise : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

II.

ADORATION.

"pLESSED be Thou, 0 Lord our God, for ever and
-*-^ ever ; and blessed be Thy glorious Name, which
is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even
Thou, art Lord alone : Thou hast made heaven, the
heaven of heavens, with all their host ; the earth,

264 Scriptural Prayers.

and all things that are therein ; the seas, and all that
is therein ; and Thou preservest them all ; and the
host of heaven worshippeth Thee. 0 Lord of Hosts,
God of Israel, that dwellest hetween the cherubim:
Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the king-
doms of the earth. There is no god like unto Thee
in the heaven, nor in the earth : which keepest coven-
ant, and ^howest mercy unto Thy servants, that walk
before Thee with all their hearts.. Thou art a God
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and of great kindness.

The Same.
"pLESSED be Thou, Lord God of Israel, our
-*-^ Father, for ever. Thine, 0 God, is the great-
ness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory,
and the majesty : for all that is in the heaven and in
the earth is Thine : Thine is the kingdom, 0 Lord,
and Thou art exalted as Head above all. Both riches
and honour come of Thee, and Thou reignest over
all ; and in Thine hand is power and might, and in
Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength
unto all. Now, therefore, our God, we thank Thee,
and praise Thy glorious Name.

Scriptural Prayers. 265

The Same.
TTOLY, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which
-■--*- was, and is, and is to come ! Thou art wor-
thy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure
they are and were created.

Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God
Almighty ; just and true are Thy ways. Thou King
of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, 0 Lord, and
glorify Thy Name ? For Thou only art holy. For
all nations shall come and worship before Thee.

III.

THANKSGIVINa.

"DLESSED be Thou, 0 God and Father of our
-^ Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast blessed us with
all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ :
according as Thou hast chosen us in Him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before Thee in love : and hast pre-
destinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus
Christ to Thyself, according to the good pleasure of
Thy will. We praise the glory of Thy grace, wherein

Thou hast made us accepted in the Beloved. We
12

266 Scriptural Prayers.

bless Thee that in Him we have redemption through
His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of Thy grace. We bless Thee for making
known unto us the mystery of Thy will : that in the
dispensation of the fulness of times. Thou mightest
gather together in one all things in Christ, both which
are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him.
And we give thanks unto Thee, 0 Lord ! for the faith
and love of all Thy saints : beseeching Thee that they,
having heard the Gospel of their salvation, and trusted
in Christ, may be sealed with that Holy Spirit of
Promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until
the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of Thy glory.

The Same.
"HLESSED be Thou, 0 God and Father of our
-^ Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to Thine
abundant mercy hast begotten us again unto a lively
hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away ; reserved in heaven for us,
who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

Scriptural Prayers. 267

IV.

SUPPLICATION.
A Prayer for Wisdom.
r\ GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
^^ Grlorj, give unto us the Spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of Him : that the eyes
of our understanding may be enlightened; that we
may know what is the hope of His callings and what
the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the
saints; and what the exceeding greatness of Thy
power to US-ward who believe, according to its mighty
working in Christ, when Thou didst raise Him from
the dead, and settest Him at Thine own right hand in
the heavenly places, far above all principality, and
power, and might, and dominion, and every name that
is named, not only in this world, but also in that which
is to come : and hast put all things under His feet,
and gavest Him to be the Head over all things to the
Church, which is His Body, the fulness of Him that
fiUeth all in all.

Par Sjjiritual Strength.
FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom
the whole Family in heaven and earth is named :

268 Scriptural Prayers.

We bow our knees unto Thee, beseeching Thee that
Thou wouldst grant us, according to the riches of
Thy glory, to be strengthened with might by Thy Spirit
in the inner man : That Christ may dwell in our
hearts by faith ; that we, being rooted and grounded
in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints,
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,
and to know the love of Christ, that passeth knowl-
edge ; that we may be filled with all the fulness of
God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory
in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.

For a Good Judgment.

A LMIGHTY God, we pray Thee, that the love of
-^•*- all Thy People may abound yet more and more,
in knowledge and in all judgment : that they may ap-
prove things that are excellent ; that they may be
sincere and without ofience till the day of Christ;
being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are
by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Scriptural Prayers. 269

For Assurance.
r\ RANT, Almighty God, that the hearts of Thy
^ People may be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of un-
derstanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of
God, and of the Father, and of Christ, in Whom are
hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

For Hope.

r\ GOD of Hope, fill us with all joy and peace in
^-^ believing, that we may abound in hope, through
the power of the Holy Ghost.

For Faith and Charity.
r\ GOD, we render thanks unto Thee for the faith
^ and charity of Thy People, and for all tjie joy
wherewith we joy for their sakes before Thee. And
we pray Thee to perfect that which is lacking in their
faith. Make them to increase and abound in love one
toward another, and toward all men : to the end that
Thou mayest stablish their hearts unblameable in holi-
ness before God, even our Father, at the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 0 Thou

270 Scriptural Praters.

very God of peace, sanctify them wholly ; and may
their whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ :
To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

For Grace to do Good Works,
r\ GOD of Peace, that broughtest again from the
^ dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do Thy will,
working in us that which is well-pleasing in Thy
sight, through Jesus Christ : To Whom be glory for
ever and ever. Amen.

For Perseverance.
r\ OD of all Grace, Who hast called us unto Thine
^ eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that w^e have
suffered a while, make us perfect, stablish, strengthen,
settle us ; that God in all things may be glorified
through Jesus Christ : To Whom be praise and domi-
nion for ever and ever. Amen.

For Unity.
GOD of Patience and Consolation, grant us to be
like-minded one toward another according to

ScRiPTUEAL Prayers. 271

Jesus Christ : that we may with one mind and one
mouth glorify Thee, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ.

For Increase of Grace.
A LMIGHTY God, we thank Thee for Thy grace
-^-*- which is given us by Christ Jesus : beseeching
Thee that in every thing we may be enriched by Him,
in all utterance and in all knowledge, so that we come
behind in no gift : waiting for the revelation of our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall also confirm us unto the
end, that we may be blameless in that day. Thou art
faithful, 0 God, by Whom we were called unto the
fellowship of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord : To
Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

For Deliverance from Sin.

r\ GOD, we thank Thee that we, who were the ser-
^^ vants of sin, have obeyed from the heart that
form of doctrine which was delivered us : and being
now made free from sin, and become servants to God,
may we have our fruit uiito holiness, and the end
everlasting life : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

272 Scriptural Prayers.

For Patience.
TvIRECT our hearts, 0 Lord, into the love of God,
•^ and into the patience of Christ.

For Peace.
LORD of Peace, give us peace always by all

means.

For Stedfastness.
r\ GOD, Who hast from the beginning chosen us to
^^ salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit,
and belief of the truth : Grant us grace to stand fast,
and hold the traditions which we have been taught, to
the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
0 Lord Jesus Christ, and God, even our Father, Who
Thyself hast loved us, and hast given us everlasting
consolation, and good hope through grace : Comfort
our hearts, and stablish us in every good word and
work : that we may stand perfect and complete in all
the will of God.

For Sanctification.
OUCHSAFE, 0 our God, we pray Thee, to count
us worthy of Thy calling, and fulfil all the

Scriptural Prayers. 273

good pleasure of Thj goodness, and the work of faith
with power : that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ
may be glorified in us, and we in Him, according to
the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For Spiritual Comfort.
"DLESSED be Thou, 0 God, even the Father of our
-^ Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and
the God of all comfort, Who comfortest us in all our

tribulation, that we maybe able to comfort them which
are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our-
selves are comforted of Thee. And as the sufferings
of Christ abound in us, so may our consolation also
abound by Christ : that as we are partakers of the
sufferings^ so we may be also of the consolation. De-
liver us, 0 God, in Whom we trust, and grant us the
testimony of a good conscience, that in simplicity and
godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by Thy
grace, we may have our conversation in the world.
Thanks be unto Thee, 0 God, Who always causest us
to triumph in Christ, and makest manifest the savour
of Thy knowledge by us in every place.

12*

274 Scriptural Prayers.

INTERCESSION.

For the Universal Church,
r\ GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we
^ give Thee thanks for all Thy saints our faithful
brethren in Christ : desiring that thej might be filled
with the knowledge of Thy will, in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding ; that they might walk worthy
of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every
good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Strengthen them with all might, according to Thy
glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering
with joyfulness. May they ever give thanks unto
Thee, 0 Father, Who hast made us meet to be par-
takers of the inheritance of the saints in light ; Who
hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and hast
translated us into the kingdom of Thy dear Son :
in Whom we have redemption through His blood, even
the forgiveness of sins.

For all Classes of Men.
r\ GOD our Saviour, who wouldest have all men to
^^ be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the
truth : Let Thy way be known upon the earth, Thy

Scriptural Prayers. 275

saving health unto all nations. Let the kingdoms of
this world become the kingdoms of the Lord and of
His Christ. We pray for kings, and for all that are
in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty. And we beseech
Thee for Thy servants, who in every place make mani-
fest the savour of Thy knowledge, preaching among
the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ. Supply
them with Thy Spirit ; open unto them doors of utter-
ance, to make known the mystery of the Gospel ; de-
liver them from unreasonable and wicked men ; and
may the Word of the Lord every where have free
course and be glorified, even as it is with us. 0 Lord
of the harvest, send forth labourers into Thy har-
vest.

VI.
ASCRIPTIONS OP PRAISE.

1VT0W to God only Wise be glory through Jesus
-^^ Christ for ever. Amen.

Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible,
the only Wise God, be honour and glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

Now to the blesged and only Potentate, the King of
kings, and Lord of lords : Who only hath immortal-

276 Scriptural Prayers.

itjr, dwelling in the light which no man can approach
unto ; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see : To Him
be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling,
and to present us faultless before the presence of His
glory with exceeding joy : To the only Wise God our
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen.

Of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all
things : To Whom be glory for ever. Amen*

Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto
the Lord our God.

To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

To Him be glory, both now and for ever. Amen.

Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our
sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and
priests unto God and His Father : To Him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power,
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and
glory, and blessing. Amen.

Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving,
and honour, and power, and mightj^be unto our God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Scriptural Prayers. 277

■ Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb for ever and ever. Amen.

Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb.

To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.

COMPREHENSIVE PRAYER

IN THE WORDS OF SCRIPTURE.

ADORATION.

r\ GOD, Thou art our God. early will we seek
^ Thee ; our God, and we will praise Thee ; our
fathers' God, and we will exalt Thee. Thou art very
great, clothed with honour and majesty. Thou cover-
est Thyself with light as with a garment ; and in Thee
is no darkness at all.

Thou art God Thyself alone ; and, besides Thee,
there is none else. The heavens declare Thy glory,
and the firmament showeth forth Thy handy work.
The invisible things of God, from the creation of the
world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even Thine eternal power and God-head.

Thou art transcendently great in all Thy perfec-
tions. Thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in praises,

A Comprehensive Prayer. 279

doing wonders. Who, in the heavens, can be compared
unto the Lord ? Who, among the sons of the mighty,
can be likened unto Thee, 0 Lord God of hosts ? As
the heavens are high above the earth, so are Thy
thoughts above our thoughts, and Thy ways above our
ways. All nations, before Thee, are as the drop of a
bucket, or the small dust of the balance ; and Thou
takest up the isles as a very little thing : they are as
nothing, and counted to Thee as less than nothing, and
as vanity.

Thou art the eternal, immortal, and unchangeable
God. Before the mountains were brought forth, or
ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from
everlasting to everlasting Thou art God, the same yes-
terday, to-day, and for ever.

Thou art the omnipresent God. None can hide
himself in secret places, that Thou canst not see
him, for Thou fillest heaven and earth with Thy
presence.

Thou art the omniscient Jehovah. All things are
naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom
we have to do. Thou understandest our thoughts afar
off: there is not a word in our tongue, but lo 1 0
Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.

280 A Comprehensive Prayer.

Thy wisdom is unsearchable. Thine understanding,
0 Lord, is infinite. Thou tellest the number of the
stars, and callest them all by their names. Thou art
wonderful in council, excellent in working, wise in
heart, and mighty in strength. 0 the depth of the
wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are
His judgments, and His ways past finding out !

Thy sovereignty is incontestable. Thou dost ac-
cording to Thy will, in the armies of heaven, and
among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay
Thy hand, or say unto Thee, What doest Thou ?

.Thy power is irresistible. We know, 0 God, that
Thou canst do every thing. All power is Thine, both
in heaven and in earth : Thou killest, and Thou makest
alive : Thou woundest, and Thou healest : and there
is none that can deliver out of Thy hand.

Thou art a God of unspotted purity and perfect
rectitude. Thou art holy, 0 Thou that inhabitest the
praises of Israel. Holy and reverend is Thy Name ;
and we give thanks at the remembrance of Thy holi-
ness. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity ;
neither shall evil dwell with Thee.

Thy justice is inflexible, Thy truth inviolable, and
the treasures of Thy goodness inexhaustible. Thou

Adoration. 281

art righteous, 0 Lord, in all Thy ways, and holy in all
Thy works. Thy righteousness is as the great moun-
tains : all Thy ways are truth and judgment. Thou
art good, and Thy mercy endureth for ever. Thy lov-
ing kindness is great towards us, and Thy truth en-
dureth to all generations. Thou hast proclaimed Thy
Name, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, abundant in goodness and truth, keep-
ing mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgres-
sion, and sin.

These, 0 Lord, are but part of Thy ways ; for who
by searching can find out God ? who can find out the
Almighty to perfection ?

We praise Thee as a God of inefiable glory. Thou
hast prepared Thy throne in the heavens ; and the
Seraphim veil their faces before Thee. Thou makest
Thine angels spirits, and Thy ministers a flame of fire :
Thousand thousands minister unto Thee, and ten
thousand times ten thousand stand before Thee. Thou
art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive blessing, and honour,
and glory, and power ; for Thou hast created all
things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were creat-
ed. The earth is full of Thy riches ; Thy kingdom
ruleth over all : a sparrow falls not to the ground

282 A Comprehensive Prayer.

without our Father ; and the hairs of our head are all
numbered.

Thou madest man at first out of the dust of the
ground, and didst breathe into him the breath of life,
and he became a living soul. Thou hast made of one
blood all the nations of men, for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hast determined the times be-
fore appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

We adore Thee, as the one living and true God,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. We give
honour to the Son as to the Father ; and to the Com-
forter, the Holy Spirit, who is sent to teach us all
things, and to bring all things to our remembrance.
We praise Thee, 0 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the
Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier. Thou
hast made us, and not we ourselves ; and therefore we
are not our own, but Thine, Thy people, and the
sheep of Thy pasture. In Thee we live, and move,
and have our being. Thou hast redeemed us from
evil. We are bought with a price. It is of Thy
mercy that we are not consumed, even because Thy
compassions fail not. Thou hast appointed us a High
Priest, in Whose Name we may come boldly to the
throne of grace. We make mention of the righteous-
ness of Christ, and of His only.

Confession. 283

confession.
11 /TOST merciful God, we come unto Thee, in hum-
-^^-*- ble dependence. upon Bis atonement and inter-
cession, and confess our sins, which are many and
great. Against Thee, Thee only, have we sinned, 0
God: and to us belongeth shame and confusion of
face. Behold, we are vile; what shall we answer
Thee ? We will lay our hand upon our mouth. Thou
puttest no trust in Thy saints ; yea, the heavens are
not clean in Thy sight. How much more abominable
and filthy is man, who drinketh iniquity like water ?
"We have ruined ourselves : but in Thee is our help.
If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, 0 Lord, who
should stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee,
that Thou mayest be feared : with Thee there is mer-
cy : yea, with our God there is plenteous redemption.
0 Lord, Thou madest man upright, but he hath
sought out many inventions. Our first parents re-
belled against Thee ; and we are transgressors from
the womb. "We are a seed of evil doers. "We have
dealt very treacherously. By one man's disobedience,
many were made sinners. By one man sin entered
into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned. Behold, we

284 A COMPEEHENSIVE PHAYEK.

were shapen in iniquity. We are by nature children
of wrath, even as others. All flesh have corrupted
their way ; we are all gone aside ; we are altogether
become filthy ; there is none righteous ; there is none
that doeth good ; no, not one.

Our understandings are darkened by reason of sin ;
our wills are stubborn and perverse ; and our affections
are alienated from Thee. We are wise to do evil, but
to good we have no knowledge. Our neck hath been
an iron sinew ; and we have made our hearts as the
adamant. We have followed after vanities, and for-
saken our mercies. We have set our affections on
things beneath; and our hearts have departed from
the living God. We are prone to evil as the sparks
fly upward. Our hearts are deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked. 0 Lord, we lament our ir-
regular appetites, and inordinate passions. We bewail
our pride, our carnality, and worldly-mindedness. Our
sins are attended with exceedingly great aggravations.
We have sinned against the clearest light, the tender-
est love, and the most faithful warnings of God, of
parents, of ministers, and of our own consciences.
And now, 0 Lord, what shall we say ? For we have
forsaken Thy commandments : we have sinned,

Supplication. 285

what shall we do unto Thee, 0 Thou Preserver of
men?

Glory, glorj to Thy Name in the highest, that
there is any hope for the lost and sinful children of
men; that Thou hast entertained purposes of mercy
towards any of the guilty race ; that the joyful sound
of peace and reconciliation with God hath reached our
ears. We thank Thee that Thou hast so loved the
world as to give Thine Only Begotten Son, that who-
soever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.

SUPPLICATION.

TN the all-prevailing Name of Jesus of Nazareth, a
-*- Name with which Thou art ever well pleased, we
present our prayers and supplications to Thee. And
now, Lord, what wait we for ? Our eyes are unto Thee,
and our hope is in Thee, through Christ Jesus our
Redeemer. Deliver us from all our transgressions ;
and, 0 God, be merciful to us sinners. Wash us
thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from our
sin. For vfe acknowledge our transgressions : and our
sin is ever before us. Justify us freely by Thy grace,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.

286 A Comprehensive Prayer

Create in us a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a
right spirit within us. Work in us the work of faith
with power. Dispose us to a godly sorrow for our
sins, and give us repentance unto life. Shed abroad
Thy love in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto
us. Teach us Thy statutes, and give us understand-
ing that we may know Thy testimonies. May we
know God and Jesus Christ, whom to know is eternal
life. Put Thy fear, 0 Lord, into our hearts, that we
may never depart from Thy law. Hide pride from
our eyes, and clothe us with humility. Enable us to
put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 0
God of peace, let not anger dwell in our bosoms. Fill
us with charity and brotherly love, that we may keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. May
our consciences be always tender. May we abstain
from all appearance of evil. Incline us to content-
ment with the allotments of Thy providence ; and
form us to submission and resignation to Thy will.
May we ever possess our souls in patience ; and feel
a holy indifference to all the objects of time and
sense. 0 Lord, furnish us with hope, which maketh
not ashamed ; that living hope, which is as an anchor
to the soul, both sure and stedfast.

Supplication. 287

Enable us, 0 Lord, to be circumspect in all our
conversation, watching over our thoughts, our lips,
and our lives. May the grace of God teach us, that
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live
soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world :
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear-
ing of that great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ ;
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works. Lord, quicken us in
the ways of righteousness. Let us ever practise the
things which are honest in the sight of all men.
May we be diligent in every duty, performing it with
a ready mind and with joy and gladness of heart.
May we have grace always to live in the exercise of
devotion and piety towards God ; of truth, charity,
and righteousness towards men ; and to maintain
chastity, temperance, and sobriety towards ourselves.
Grant that we may increase in all godliness ; that we
may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ.

0 Lord, Who art the confidence of all the ends of
the earth, preserve us from temptation ; support us
under afflictions ; comfort us in sorrows ; make us use-

288 A Comprehensive Prayer.

ful in life, and prepare us for death : And when we
have done serving Thee here below, admit us, we
beseech Thee, to that state of rest and perfection
which Thou hast reserved for Thy people in the
heavenly world.

THANKSGIVING.

A ND now, 0 Lord our God, we desire to lift up our
■^^ hearts to Thee, in a grateful acknowledgement
of all Thy mercies and benefits to us. We praise
Thee, as the King of kings and Lord of lords, full of
compassion and goodness to the children of men.
We thank Thee that Thou hast formed us reasonable
creatures, capable of knowing, serving, and enjoying
Thee. We bless Thee for Thy preserving care ; for
our lives, our health, our food and raiment ; for our
friends, our comforts, and all our temporal enjoy-
ments. Above all, we praise Thee, 0 most merciful
Father, for spiritual blessings in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus.

We thank Thee, 0 Lord, for the early intimations
of good-will to fallen men ; that the seed of the wo-
man should bruise the serpent's head. We adore
Thee for the wonderful and mysterious incarnation of

• * Thanksgiving. 289

Thine Only-begotten Son. We praise Thee, that
when the fulness of time was come, Thou didst send
forth Thy Son, made of a woman, made under the
law, to redeem them that were under the law, that
we might receive the adoption of sons. We thank
Thee for His gracious undertaking ; for His exem-
plary life ; His soul-saving doctrines ; for the stu-
pendous miracles whereby He confirmed His divine
mission ; and, in a special manner, for His meritorious
death and sufferings. We bless Thee that He was
delivered for our offences, and rose again for our
justification ; that He hath ascended to His Father
and our Father, to His God and our God ; and that
He ever liveth to make intercession for us.

We thank Thee, 0 Lord God of grace, for the
Holy Spirit, and for His sanctifying and comforting
influences upon the souls of men ; for the Covenant
of grace and all the precious promises thereof; for
Thy Word ; for the Gospel Ministry, and the insti-
tution of all Thine Ordinances ; for Sabbaths ; and
for Sanctuary blessings. We praise Thee for the
striving of Thy Spirit, and for the remonstrances and
admonitions of our consciences ; for enlightening, re-
newing, justifying, adopting, and sanctifying grace ;
13

290 A COMPKEHENSIVE PrAYER.

for sweet communion with Thee in Thine ordinances ;
for gracious answers to Our prayers ; for succour in
temptations ; for support under troubles ; and for the
joyful hopes of a glorious immortality.

INTERCESSION.

IVTOW, 0 Thou Most High, when we pray unto
-*-' Thee, we would remember and make supplication
for all the children of men. Extend, we beseech Thee,
Thy mercy to a guilty world ; and let all the ends of
the earth see the salvation of our God. Let Thy Gos-
pel be preached unto every creature ; and add unto
Thy Church daily such as shall be saved. Give unto
Thy Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the
uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. 0
Lord, gather into the Gospel Church Thine ancient
people the Jews : hasten the latter-day glory : accom-
plish all the purposes of Thy grace : remove every
thing which is a let or hindrance to the advancement
of the Redeemer's Kingdom : take away all error and
idolatry, anti-christian superstition, and Mohammedan
delusion.

We pray for Thy blessing upon Thy Church Uni-
versal, and upon every branch of it in particular, 0

Intercession. 291

Lord, pitj any part of Thy Church that may be
suffering affliction or persecution. Let not the rod
of the wicked rest upon the lot of the righteous ;
strengthen the faith and patience of Thy suffering
saints, that they may hope and quietly wait for the
salvation of the Lord. Pour out Thy Spirit upon all
Thy Churches ; revive Thy work in the midst of the
years ; cause pure and undefiled religion universally
to prevail ; arise, have mercy upon Zion, and let the
time to favour her, yea, the set time, come.

Heavenly Father, do Thou bless all the Ministers
of Thy Gospel ; purify the sons of Levi, and make
those holy who bear the vessels of the Lord \ make
them burning and shining lights in Thy golden candle-
sticks ; and may they turn many to righteousness, and
shine as stars in the firmament of glory for ever and ever.

0 Lord, we pray for Thy special favour to Thy
Churches in this land. Be very gracious to all the
Congregations and Ministers of this Church. Bless
our Presbyteries, our Synods, and our General Coun-
cil. May their deliberations at all times have a happy
tendency to promote true religion, and to advance
more and more the interests of the Redeemer's King-
dom. Make all our people holy in their lives, and

292 A Comprehensive Prayer.

godlj in their conversation. May they be an orna-
ment to their profession ; and may our Church be a
praise in the land.

0 Thou, who art King among the nations, visit all
the nations and kingdoms of the earth with Thy good-
ness, Thy mercy, and Thy salvation. Deal favourably,
0 Lord, with the land in which we live. 0 Thou
hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof in time of trouble,
be not as a stranger in our land, and as a way-faring
man, that tumeth aside to tarry for a night. Make
this Emmanuel's land. May it be a valley of vision,
a land wherein truth, peace, and righteousness shall
always dwell.

Give, 0 Lord, we entreat Thee, prosperity to the
inhabitants of this country, in their husbandry, their
trades, and their merchandize. Make not our heaven
brass, nor our earth iron ; but grant us, we pray Thee,
rain in due season; and reserve unto us the appointed
weeks of harvest. Let our land yield her increase,
and our trees their fruit. Abundantly bless our pro-
vision, and satisfy our poor with bread. 0 Lord,
bless all in authority over us, supreme and subordinate.
Counsel our counsellors, and teach our senators wis-
dom. Make our officers peace, and our exactors right-

Intercession. 293

eousness. May all our magistrates and rulers rule
in the fear of God, be able men, men of truth, fearing
God, and hating covetousness. May judgment run
down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

0 Lord, we pray for all schools, colleges, and other
seminaries of learning. From these fountains may
streams issue, which shall make glad the city of our
God. Bless all teachers in them ; and may the youth
be trained up in the fear of the Lord.

Most gracious God, we beseech Thee to extend com-
passion to the sons and daughters of affliction. Heal
the sick ; ease the pained ; support the distressed ;
succour the tempted ; comfort mourners ; restore to
their right mind those who are deprived of the use of
their reason ,• be the God of the widow, the father of
the fatherless, and the orphan's stay.

And now, 0 Lord, our God, we commit ourselves
unto Thee ; we hope in Thy mercies ; and we wait for
Thy salvation. Pardon the iniquity of our holy
things. We ask and offer all, in the Name of our
once crucified, but now exalted Redeemer, the Lord
Jesus Christ: to Whom, with the Father, and the
Spirit of all grace, be ascribed glory, honour, do-
minion, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen'.

SUNDRY OCCASIONAL PRATERS.

THE MORNING PRAYER.

Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the
morning ; for in Thee do I trust.

Cause me to know the ivay tvherein I should
walk ; for I lift up my soid unto Thee.

A LMIGHTY God, our Father and Preserver ! we
■^■*- give Thee thanks that of Thy goodness Thou hast
watched over us the past night, and brought us to this
day. And we beseech Thee, strengthen and guard us
by Thy Spirit, that we may spend it wholly in Thy
service, aiming at Thy glory, and the salvation of our
fellow-men. And even as Thou sheddest now the
beams of the sun upon the earth to give light unto
our bodies, so illumine our souls with the brightness
of Thy Spirit, to guide us in the paths of Thine obe-

296 Sundry Occasional Peayers.

dience. May all our purpose be this daj to honour
and serve Thee ; may we look for all prosperity to Thy
blessing only, and seek no object but such as may be
well-pleasing in Thy sight. Enable us, 0 Lord! while
we labour for the body, and the life that now is, ever
to look beyond unto that heavenly life which Thou hast
promised Thy children. Defend us in soul and body
from all harm. Guard us against all assaults of the
devil, and deliver us from any dangers that may beset
us. And seeing it is a small thing to have begun
well, except we also persevere, take us, 0 Lord ! into
Thy good keeping this day, and all our days ; con-
tinue and increase Thy grace within us, until we shall
be perfectly united in the glory of Thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, the Sun of Righteousness, who shall
replenish our souls with His eternal light and gladness.
And that we may obtain all these blessings, be pleased
to cast out of Thy remembrance all our past offences,
anii of Thy boundless mercy forgive them ; as Thou
hast promised unto those who call upon Thee in sin-
cerity and truth. Hear us, 0 God, our Father and
Redeemer ! Through Jesus Christ our Lord : In
Whose Name we pray, as He hath taught us, saying
— Our Father, etc.

Evening Prayer. 297

the evening prayer.

Consider and hear me^ O Lord my God ; lighten
mine eyes^ lest I sleep the sleep of death.

I will both lay me down in peace^ and steep ; for
Thou, Lord^ only makest me dwell in safety.

r\ MERCIFUL God! Eternal Light, shining in
^-^ darkness, Thou that dispellest the night of sin,
and all blindness of heart : Since Thou hast appointed
the night for rest, and the day for labour ; we beseech
Thee, grant that our bodies may rest in peace and
quietness, that afterward they may be able to endure
the labour they must bear. Temper our sleep, that it
may be pure and peaceful ; that we may remain spot-
less both in body and soul ; yea, that our Sleep itself
may be to Thy glory. Enlighten the eyes of our un-
derstanding, that we may not sleep in death ; but
always look for deliverance from this misery. Defend
us against all assaults of the devil, and take us into
Thy holy protection. And although we have not
passed this day without greatly sinning against Thee,
we beseech Thee to hide our sins with Thy mercy, as
Thou hidest all things on earth with the darkness of

the night, that we may never be cast out from Thy
13*

298 SuNDKY Occasional Pkayers.

presence. Relieve and comfort all those ^wlio are
afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; Who hath taught
us to pray — Our Father, etc.

A SHORT PRAYER,

That All Men may live uprightly in their Callings.

T ORD God Almighty, Merciful and Pure, be pleased
-^ in favour to consider the weakness of man : and
so sanctify us with Thy grace, that we may all con-
fess our sins, and cry to Thee for pardon ; all acknowl-
edge our weakness, and cry to Thee for strength ; all
see our ignorance, and come to Thee for knowledge
how to behave ourselves in this mortal life in our sev^
eral callings : That thereby both Thou mayest be glo-
rified, our brethren comforted, and ourselves relieved :
that when we shall be called by Thee to render an ac-
count of our stewardships, we may be able to stand
before Thee acquitted from all that either sin, the
devil, or our corrupt flesh may charge us with : not
through our own deservings, which in our best en-
deavours are evil evermore ; but in the merits of Thy
Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Pardon and Help. 299

a prayer for pardon and help.

r\ MOST Merciful Saviour ! Who by Thy life and
^^ atoning death didst reconcile man with God ; the
only hope of the despairing, and help of them that are
warred against ; the ready defence of all that fly to
Thee, the refuge of all Thy People : Abhor not us,
who by wicked works, words, and deeds, have rendered
ourselves utterly vile in Thy sight : but kindly pity
us, sinners, and prodigal children, and receive our
prayers, though offered to Thee by polluted lips. Open
unto us, 0 gracious Lord, Thy tender mercies ; and
passing by our numberless offences, turn us to repent-
ance, and make us tried doers of Thy precepts. Be
also present with us always in Thy merciful compas-
sion : both in this life, as a constant protector and aid,
warding off every assault of our enemies, and leading
us unto salvation ; and in the time of our departure,
caring for our helpless souls, and driving far from
them all dark visions of fear and fright ; and in the
awful day of judgment, delivering us from everlasting
punishment, and making us heirs of Thine unspeakable
glory. This, 0 Lord, we ask through Thy mediation
and intercession : to Whom, with the Father and the

300 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

Holy Ghost, be all honour, glory, and dominion.
Amen.

a prayer in time of discord.

II /TOST Gracious Lord, we humbly beseech Thee to
ITX grant us hearts mindful of Thy past mercies
toward this nation. Suffer us never to fall into un-
thankfulness and forgetfulness of Thy benefits publicly
received. Be pleased to continue Thy fatherly guid-
ance and direction of our ways. Dissipate the coun-
sels of such as labour to stir up the hearts of this peo-
ple against one another : let their malicious practices
be for their own confusion ; and grant Thou of Thy
mercy that love, concord, and tranquillity may con-
tinue and increase among the inhabitants of this land,
even until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ : by
Whose glorious Gospel Thou dost call us to unity,
peace, and Christian harmony, the full perfection
whereof we shall possess in Thy Kingdom : where all
offences shall be removed, all iniquity suppressed, and
Thy chosen ones fully endued with that perfect glory
in which our Lord Jesus now reigneth ; Unto Whom,
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and
glory evermore. Amen,

Opening of a Church Court. 301

A PRAYER AT THE OPENING OF A CHURCH COURT.

Tj^TERNAL God ! Who of Thine infinite goodness
-*-^ hast chosen unto Thyself a Church from the
foundation of the world, we bless Thee for Thy
fatherly love and care, in ruling, defending, and guid-
ing Thy People in the knowledge of Thy blessed will.
Give now, 0 Lord, unto us who are here gathered in
Thy Name, such a measure of Thy Holy Spirit, that
we may see and ask of Thee those things that shall
be expedient for Thy glory and the safety of Thy flock.
Impart Thy grace, that we may stedfastly agree in
the unity of the true doctrine ; preserve us from all
error ; and lead us into all purity of life, that we may
not dishonour Thy holy Gospel. Remove from us
all misapprehensions and vain desires ; and grant that
Thy holy Word may be the only guide and rule of
all our consultations ; that they may tend to the glory
of Thy Name, the edification of Thy Church, and
the discharge of our own conscience. Grant this, 0
Father ! for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and
Redeemer : To Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost,
be all honour and praise, now and ever. Amen.

302 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

a prayer eor sick persons.
r\ ALMIGHTY, Eternal, Righteous God, and Mer-
^ ciful Father, Thou who art Lord of life and
death, and without whose will nothing is done in
heaven, nor on earth : Although we are not worthy to
call upon Thy Name, nor to hope that Thou wilt hear
us, when we consider how we have hitherto employed
our time : We beseech Thee, that Thou wilt be pleased
of Thy mercy to look upon us in the face of Jesus
Christ, who hath taken all our infirmities on Him. We
acknowledge that we are utterly incapable of any good,
and prone to all evil, wherefore we have justly merited
this punishment, yea, have deserved much more. But,
Lord, Thou knowest that we are Thy people, and
Thou art our God : we have no other refuge than in
Thy mercy, which Thou hast never withheld from
any one who turned himself to Thee. Therefore we
beseech Thee not to impute our sins unto us, but ac-
count the wisdom, righteousness, and holiness of Jesus
Christ unto us, that we may in Him be able to stand
before Thee. Deliver us for His sake from these
sufferings, that the wicked may not think that Thou
hast forsaken us. And if it be Thy pleasure longer
thus to try us, give us strength and patience to bear

ForSickPersons. 303

all suffering according to Thy will, and let all turn ac-
cording to Thy wisdom to our profit. Kather chasten
us here, than hereafter, to be lost with a sinful world.
Grant that we may die to this world, and all earthly
things, and that we may daily more and more be re-
newed after the image of Jesus Christ. Suffer us
not by any means to be separated from Thy love ; but
draw us daily nearer and nearer unto Thee, that we
may attain unto the end of our calling with joy;, that
we may die, rise again, and live with Christ in eternity.
We also believe that Thou wilt hear us through Jesus
Christ, who hath taught us to pray — Our Father, etc.
Strengthen us also in the true Faith, which we
believe in our hearts, and profess with our mouths — I
believe in God^ etc.

The Same.
"HTERNAL, Merciful God and Father, the eternal
-^ salvation of the living, and the everlasting life
of the dying ; seeing that Thou hast death and life in
Thy hand alone, and takest such, care of us continually,
that neither health nor sickness, nor any good or evil
can befall us, nay, not a hair can fall from our head,
without Thy will : and since Thou dost order all

304 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

things for the good of Thy People : We beseech Thee,
grant us the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, to teach us
rightly to acknowledge our misery, and patiently to
beai' Thy chastenings, which we have deserved ten
thousand times more severe. We know that they are
not the evidences of Thy wrath, but of Thy fatherly
love towards us, that we should not be condemned
with the world. 0 Lord, increase our faith in Thine
infinite mercy, that we may be more and more united
to Christ, as members to their spiritual Head, to whom
Thou wilt make us conformable in sufierings and in
glory. Lighten the cross, so that our weakness may
be able to bear it. We submit ourselves entirely to
Thy holy will, whether Thou art pleased to continue
our souls longer in these tabernacles, or take them into
eternal life ; since we belong to Christ, and therefore
shall not perish. We would willingly leave this weak
body in hope of a blessed resurrection, when it shall
be restored to us much more glorious. Grant us to
experience the blessed comforts of the remission of
sins, and of justification through Christ, that we by
that shield may overcome all the assaults of Satan.
May His innocent blood wash away all the stain and
uncleanness of our sins, and His righteousness answer

-ForaSickChild. 305

for our unrighteousness in Thy last judgment. Arm
us with faith and hope, that we may not be ashamed
nor confounded by the terrors of death. But when our
bodily eyes are closing in darkness, may the eyes of
our souls be directed towards Thee : and when Thou
shalt have deprived us of the use of our tongues, may
our hearts never cease to call upon Thee. 0 Lord,
into Thy hands we commit our souls : forsake us not
in our last extremity ; and that only for the sake of
Jesus Christ: Who hath taught us to pray — Our
Father, etc.

FOR A SICK CHILD.

r\ ALMIGHTY and most Merciful Father! in
^ Whose hands are the issues of life and death :
,Look down, we beseech Thee, in compassion, upon the
sick child for whom our prayers are desired. If it
be Thy good pleasure, deliver him from his bodily
sickness, prolong his days upon the earth, enable him
to live in Thy fear and to Thy glory, and visit him
with Thy salvation. But if it be Thy will, 0 gracious
God! to take his soul at this time out of the world,
receive him, we pray Thee, into those heavenly
habitations, where the spirits of all who are in Christ

306 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

enjoy perpetual repose and blessedness. Grant this,
G Lord ! for the love of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus
Christ. Amen.

FOR A PERSON UNDER AFFLICTION.

r\ MEECIFUL God and heavenly Father! Who
" hast taught us in Thy holy Word that Thou
dost not willingly afflict the children of men : Look
with pity, we beseech Thee, upon the sorrows of Thy
servant, for whom our prayers are desired. In Thy
wisdom, Thou hast visited him with trouble, and hast
brought distress upon his soul. Remember him, 0
Lord ! in mercy : sanctify Thy fatherly correction to
him ; endue his soul with patience under his affliction,
and with resignation to Thy blessed will. Comfort
him. with a sense of Thy goodness, and give him^
peace ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR RAIN.

f\ GOD, Creator and Governor, Who preservest man
^ and beast, look, we beseech Thee, on our dry,
thirsty land ; water it abundantly from Thy river
which is full of water, and let Thy paths drop fatness,
that the springing of the earth maybe blessed, the

ForFairWeather. 307

fruits thereof be perfect and plentiful, and the year
crowned with Thy goodness. Spare us, 0 Lord, in
Thy mercy, and cause Thy people to rejoice because of
Thy bounty. Shed forth Thy Holy Spirit on Thy
Churches, that Thy heritage may be confirmed and
Thy word be fruitful abundantly, for the glory of Thy
holy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR FAIR WEATHER.

r\ GOD of love and compassion. Who of old didst set
^-^ Thy bow in the cloud for a token of a covenant
between Thee and the earth, we humble ourselves be-
fore Thee on account of our sins, and acknowledge Thy
chastisement to be just. Yet spare us, 0 Lord. Stay
the excess of rain, and cause Thy sun to shine, that,
the hope of harvest being fulfilled, our barns may be
stored with Thy bounty, and our souls rejoice in Thee.
Above all. 0 Lord, grant that the Sun of Righteous-
ness may arise upon us with healing in His wings, and
Thy people, walking all the day in the light of Thy
countenance, in Thy righteousness may be exalted.
Do this, 0 Father of mercies, for the sake of Thy Son
Jesus Christ. Amen.

308 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

FOR peace.

f\ GOD of peace, Who didst send unto us messages
^^ of peace by Thj Son, the Prince of peace, and
commandest us to be at peace with all men, we entreat
Thee to save us from quarrel, bloodshed, and war.
. Still the tumult of the people as Thou dost the raging
of the sea.^ Disappoint the devices of the wicked,
and bring their machinations to naught. Fill our
hearts and the hearts of all men with Thy love, that
so we may dwell in safety under the wings of Thy
Holy Spirit, and have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

IN TIME OF PESTILENCE.

r\ GOD, we are consumed by Thine anger, and by
^-^ Thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast seen that
our iniquities are great, and Thou hast sent the angel
. of death to smite us sorely. Oh, vex us no more in
Thy displeasure, but by Thy Holy Spirit turn our
hearts and the hearts of all our people to Thy right-
eous ways, that so Thou may est repent Thee of the
evil, and our lives may be prolonged for the honour of

* In time of war may be here inserted :

Give us not over into the hands of our enemies, but defend us^and grant ua
the victory, which is in Thine hand.

For the Absentfrom Home. 309

Thy blessed Name. Yet, 0 Lord, whatsoever Thou hast
in store for u& of good or of evil, give us grace to trust
our souls in Thy keeping, and to praise Thee with hu-
mility and with fear, that, whether we live or die, we
may be Thine, and at last find an abundant entrance
into life eternal, through Him who died for us and
rose again. Amen.

FOR the absent FROM HOME.

r\ GOD, Who art everywhere present, ruling the sea
^^ and the land, we entreat Thee for [him, her, or
those,] now absent from us. Rescue them from peril,
from sickness, from sin, and from death. Cover them
as with a shield, and sanctify their experience of Thy
mercy to their eternal profit and joy. In due time
restore them to their homes, and keep them and us
through the journey of this life, that we all may reach
our Father's house in peace, through His grace Who
hath opened the kingdom of heaven to all that believe
on His holy Name. Amen.

A THANKSGIVING FOR RAIN.

E thank Thee, 0 God, in Whose hand are all
things, that Thou hast heard our prayers, and

'■' 'of iim

810 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

hast sent us abundant rain. Continue, 0 Lord, to shed
down the riches of Thy bounty, that our valleys may
be covered with corn, and the pastures rejoice. Grant
also, for Thy Name's sake, that our grateful hearts,
ever mindful of Thy love, may evermore praise Thee
with holy gratitude, reverence, and obedience, for Je-
sus Christ's sake. Amen.

a thanksgiving for fAir weather.
f\ GRACIOUS and most compassionate Lord God,
^ we have humbled ourselves under Thy righteous
pleasure, and trembled under Thine afflictive will.
Thou hast restored unto us the light of hope, and stayed
the overflowing of rain. Thy sunshine is upon the
earth, and the world is full of Thy healthful light.
Perfect that which Thou hast most mercifully pre-
served^ and let th« fields yield their increase. Shine
within our hearts, that we may show forth the fruits
of a Christian, faithful, and contented life, through Him
whom Thou lovest. Amen.

A THANKSGIVING FOR HARVEST.

GOD, Who hast said that whatsoever a man sow-
eth he shall also reap, we heartily thank Thee fox

Thanksgiving for Deliverance. 311

Thy blessing on the labours of the husbandmenj and
that a good harvest has been gathered. May we who
live by Thy bounty, live to Thy praise, and our souls
be preserved from pride or forgetfulness of Thee, who
feedest Thy children with- the finest of the wheat.
Remember the poor, and cause us to remember them.
Speedily gather to Thyself a harvest of praise from all
nations and all the earth, that the good seed of the
Word sown in Thy Name may bear fruit abundantly
to Thine eternal glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A THANKSGIVING FOR DELIVERANCE FROM PESTI-
LENCE.

TjlATHER of Mercies, Who desirest not the death of
-*- the sinner, we thank Thee most humbly and
heartily that Thou hast been pleased of Thine infinite
compassion to hear our prayers, and favourably to regard
Thy suppliant and sorrowing people. Thou hast with-
drawn from the midst of us the desolating plague.
Oh, that we which remain alive may present unto
Thee our whole bodies as a continual thank-ofiering,
which is our reasonable service. Remember Thy
ptomise unto the widow and the orphan, bind up the

312 SuiTDRY Occasional Prayers.

broken in heart, and comfort all that mourn, for the
sake of Him who died for us and rose again. Amen.

a thanksgiving for a safe return home.
"TTTE thank Thee, 0 God of our mercies, that Thou
' ' hast restored our brother to kis home safe from
the perils of the way. The earth is Thine ; the sea
also is Thine : and Thou hast not suffered him to per-
ish in a strange land nor to sink in the mighty waters.
May the goodness of God lead him to a more hearty
repentance, and his soul ever rejoice in Thee until he
reaches our Father's house, where there is fulness of
joy in Thine eternal presence, through Christ our Re-
deemer. Amen.

A PRAYER TO BE USED AT SEA.

A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Who alone
-^^ commandest the winds and the waves, and they
obey Thee : we Thine unworthy and sinful creatures,
separated upon the sea from the dwellings of men,
would humbly address to Thee our prayers. We
confess our manifold transgressions and wickedness ;
and implore Thy merey and forgiving grace through
' Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. We worship

Prayers to be used at Sea. 313

Thee, 0 God ; and beholding Thy works and Thy
wonders m the deep, magnify and exalt Thy great and
holy Name : and ascribe unto Thee all dominion and
majesty and glory for ever and ever. May Thy fear
ever fall upon us, 0 Lord, and Thine excellence make
us suitably afraid. We give thanks unto Thee for Thy
goodness and loving-kindness to us, notwithstanding
our guilt, and the magnitude of our sins : and would
call upon our souls to bless and praise Thy holy Name,
for Thine upholding mercy and preserving care.
Vouchsafe unto us, 0 Lord^ the continued defences and
blessings of Thy Providence. Spare us Thy just judg-
ments ; shield us from dangers seen and unseen :
prosper us on our way, and bring us to our destined
haven. Above all, grant unto us, 0 heavenly Father,
the abundant influence of Thy Holy Spirit, to enlighten
our minds in the knowledge of Thy Truth, to purify
our hearts from indwelling sin, and to work in us both
to will and to do of Thy good pleasure. Grant unto
us repentance and the remission of sin, and that faith
which is the gift of God : that we may bring forth
unto Thee, in our hearts and lives, the peaceable fruits
of righteousness. Forbid, 0 Lord our God, that we

should make shipwreck of the soul ; but being guided
14

314 Sundry Occasional Prayers.

and guarded by Thy good Spirit, may we finish the
voyage of life in safety, and find entrance at last into
the haven of eternal rest, through Jesus Christ our
Lord : To Whom, with Thee the Father, and the Holy
Ghost, be glory everlasting. Amen.

■-, ■ ':,- u' ■ •■'■ :^'^ ■ . ' ' ■ ,

A PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES, AND ALL IN CIVIL AUTHORITY.

r\ LORD, our Heavenly Father, the high and mighty
^^ Ruler of the universe. Who dost from Thy throne
behold all the dwellers upon earth : most heartily we
beseech Thee, with Thy favour to behold and bless
Thy servant, the President of the United States, and
all others in authority ; and so replenish them with
the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may always in-
cline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Endue them
plenteously with heavenly gifts ; grant them in health
and prosperity long to live ; and finally, after this life,
to attain everlasting joy and felicity, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COLLECTS,

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast
away the works of darkness, and put upon us the
armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in
which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us with
great humility : that in the last day, when He shall
come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the
quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal,
through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and
the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

BLESSEP Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scrip-
tures to be written for our learning : Grant that
we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and
inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of
Thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast
the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast
given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

LORD Jesus Christ, who at Thy first ^coming
didst send Thy .messenger to prepare Thy way

316 The Collects.

before Thee : Grant that the ministers and stewards of
Tliy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready
Thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to
the wisdom of the just, that at Thy second coming to
judge the world, we may be found an acceptable peo-
ple in Thy sight; who livest and reignest . with the
Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world with-
out end. Amen.

OLORD, who hast given us cause of perpetual joy
by the coming of Thy Son our Saviour among
us : Raise up Thy power, we pray Thee, and possess
us with a mighty sense of Thy wonderful love ; that
whereas through the cares of this life we are sorely let
and hindered in running the race that is set before us,
we may be careful for nothing, but thankfully com-
mending ourselves in every thing to Thy bountiful
grace and mercy, the peace of Thee our God, which
passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and
minds, through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord,
to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour
a,nd glory, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us Thine Only-
begotten Son, the brightness of Thy glory, and
the express image of Thy person, to take our nature
upon Him, and to be born of a pure Virgin : Grant

The Collects. 317

that we, being regenerate, and made Thy children by
adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy
Spirit ; till Christ be perfectly formed in us, and we
be made partakers of a Divine nature, through the
same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth
with Thee and the same Spirit, ever One God, world
without end. Amen.

GRANT, 0 Lord, that in all our sufferings here
upon earth for the testimony of Thy Truth, we
may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold
the glory that shall be revealed ; and, being filled with
the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our per-
secutors, by the example of Thy first martyr, Saint
Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to Thee, 0
blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God,
to succour all those that suffer for Thee, our only Me-
diator and Advocate. Amen.

MERCIFUL God, who art light, and in whom is no
darkness at all : Enlighten our minds, we most
humbly beseech Thee, with such a full understanding
of the doctrine taught by Thy blessed Apostle and
Evangelist John, that we, walking in the truth in all
purity and holiness of life, may have fellowship with
Thee and Thy Son Jesus Christ : by whose blood being

318 The Collects

,'lp cleansed from all our sins, we may at length attain to
everlasting life ; through the same our Lord Jesus

Christ. Amen.

OMOST Blessed God, who having sent Thy Son
in our nature, didst preserve Him in His in-
fancy from the malice of Herod, by whom many other
children were slain : Grant that in all dangers and ad-
versities we may put our whole trust and confidence
in Thee ; and do Thou by Thy good providence pre-
serve us from the rage of unreasonable and wicked
men, or strengthen us by patient sufferings to glorify
Thy holy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given Thine Only be-
gotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and
be born of a pure Virgin : Grant that we, being re-
generate, and made Thy children by adoption and
grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit,
which we beseech Thee to send forth more and more
into our hearts, as a testimony of Thy fatherly love
unto us, and to fill us with fervent love towards Thee :
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who madest Thy Blessed Son to
be circumcised, and obedient to the law for

The Collects. 319

man : Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit ;
that our hearts, and all our memberSj being mortified
from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things
obey Thy holy will, and obtain the remission of our
sins, and the righteousness which is by the faith of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, who by the leading of a star didst mani-
fest Thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles,
and guide them to the place where He lay : Mercifully
grant that we, to whom Thou hast revealed Him more
clearly by *lhe light of Thy glorious Gospel, may make
such progress in faith and holiness, and be so entirely
led and governed by Thy Spirit, that we may be
brought after this life into that blessed place where He
now is, and there have the fruition of Thy glorious
presence for ever and ever, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

OGOD, whose infinite mercies in our blessed Sav-
iour encourage us to call upon Thee: We
beseech Thee graciously to hear us ; and grant that
we may both perceive and know what is Thy good,
and acceptable, and perfect will revealed to us, and
also have grace and power so faithfully to fulfil the
same, that we may present ourselves a living sacrifice,

320 The Collects.

holy and acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGtHTY and Everlasting God, who dost govern
all things in heaven and earth : Mercifully hear
the supplications of Thy people ; and so rule and guide
us, that we may do our duties faithfully in our several
places and relations ; constantly abhorring that which
is evil, and cleaving to that which is good; being
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope,
patient in tribula,tion, and continuing instant in
prayer ; so that we may enjoy Thy peace all the days
of our life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, mercifully look
upon our infirmities, and endue us with the
spirit of meekness and patience ; that no evil we suffer
from others may move us to do evil unto them, but
that we may overcome them by doing them good ; and
if it be possible, as much as lieth in us, live peaceably
with all men. And in all our dangers and adver-
sities, stretch forth Thy hand to help and defend us ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst
of so many and great temptations and dangers,
that by reason of the frailty of our nature in many

The Collects. 321

things we offend all : Grant to - us such strength and
protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry
us through all temptations ; that, being faithful unto
Thee, rendering unto all their due, and doing that
which is good, we may be graciously accepted of Thee ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amex.

OLORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church
and household continually in Thy true religion ;
and to stir up every member of the same to adorn
Thy holy profession, by putting on bowels of mercy,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffer-
ing ; that, resting only upon the hope of Thy heavenly
grace, and doing all in the Name of our blessed
Saviour, we may evermore be defended by Thy
mighty power, giving thanks unto Thee ; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, whose Blessed Son was manifested that
He might destroy the works of the devil, and
make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life:
Grant us, we beseech Thee, that having this hope,
we may purify ourselves, even as He is pure; that
when He shall appear again with power and great
glory, we may be made like unto Him in His eternal
and glorious Kingdom; where, with Thee,^ 0 Father,
14*

322 TheCollects.

and Thee, 0 Holy Ghost, He liveth and reigneth,
ever One God, world without end. Amen.

OLORD, we beseech Thee favourably to hear the
prayers of Thy People ; that we, who by Thy
grace are called to the course of a Christian life, may
be temperate in all things : and so run the race that
is set before us, as to obtain that incorruptible crown
which Thou hast promised to them that love Thee ;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One
God, world without end. Amen.

OLORD, who seest that we put not our trust in
anything that we do : Mercifully grant that by
Thy power we may be defended against all adver-
sities ; or so mightily aided by Thy grace, that we
may not faint under them ; but having heard Thy
holy Word with honest and good hearts, we may keep
it, and bring forth fruit with patience, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

OLORD, who hast taught us that all our doings
without charity are nothing worth: Send Thy
Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most ex-
cellent gift of charity, which is humble, meek, kind,

The Collects. 323

long-suffering and patient, the very bond of peace and
of all virtues : Grant this for Thine Only Son Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who hatest
nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive
the sins of all them that are penitent : Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts ; that we, truly
lamenting our sins, with unfeigned sorrow and abhor-
rence, and acknowledging our wretchedness with sin-
cere resolution of amendment of life, may obtain of
Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and for-
giveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OLORD, who for our sakes didst fast forty days
and forty nights, and vanquish all the tempta-
tions of the devil by which our first parents were over-
come : Grant that we may not receive the grace of
God in vain, but use such abstinence, that our flesh
being subdued to the spirit, no desire of pleasure,
glory, or worldly advantage may tempt us from our
duty ; but that we may ever obey Thy godly motions,
in righteousness and true happiness, to Thine honour
and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father
and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
Amen,

324 The Collects.

ALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power
of ourselves to help ourselves : Keep us both out-
wardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls ; that
we may be defended from all adversities which may
happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which
may assault and hurt the soul ; and as we have re-
ceived how we ought to walk and please Thee, so may
we abound more and more; through our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

¥E beseech Thee, Almighty God, look down upon
the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and
as Thou hast enlightened us with the knowledge of
Thy truth, so enable us to walk as children of the
light, and to have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness ; that bringing forth the fruits of
the Spirit, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth,
we may be ever under Thy Divine protection ; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast made a covenant of
unspeakable grace and mercy with us in Christ
Jesus, and conveyed to us therein an heavenly inherit-
ance upon sincere obedience to His commands, which
is our reasonable service : Grant that we may evermore
rejoice in Thee, and walk worthy of our holy calling ;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Collects. 325

0 ALMIGHTY God, who hast sent Thy Son Jesus
Christ to be an High Priest of good things to
come, and bj His own blood to enter in once into the
holy place, having obtained an eternal redemption for
us : Mercifully look upon Thy people ; that by the same
blood of our Saviour, who through the Eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot unto Thee, our consciences
may be purged from dead works, to serve Thee the
living God, that we may receive the promise of eternal
inheritance ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who of Thy ten-
der love towards mankind hast sent Thy Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh,
and that in the form of a servant, and to suffer death,
even the death of the Cross, for our redemption, and
that we should follow the example of His great hu-
mility, patience, and obedience : Merciftilly grant that
this mind may be in us which was also in Christ Jesus,
that we may both follow the example of His humble
obedience and patient suffering, and also be made par-
takers of His glorious resurrection, to live with Thee
for ever. Grant this for the sake of Thy Son our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of Mercies, we be-
seech Thee graciously to hear the prayers of

326 The Collects.

Thy Church, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was
content to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of
wicked men, and to suffer death upon the Cross ; and,
according to that new covenant, which He sealed there
with His precious blood, put Thy laws into all our
hearts, and write them in our minds ; and then remem-
ber our sins and iniquities no more ; for the sake of
Him, who when He had offered one sacrifice for sin,
for ever sat down on Thy right hand, and now liveth
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One
God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, by whose Spirit
the whole body of the Church is governed and
sanctified : Receive our supplications and prayers,
which we offer before Thee for all estates of men in
Thy holy Church ; that all the members of the same,
drawing near unto Thee with a true heart and in full
assurance of faith, having their souls and bodies puri-
fied from all uncleanness, may hold fast the profession
of their faith without wavering ; and in their vocation
and ministry truly and godlily serve Thee, through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and
hatest nothing that Thou hast made, nor would-
est the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be

The Collects. 327

converted and live : Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks,
Infidels, and Heretics ; make known Thy blessed
Gospel unto them ; take from them all ignorance,
hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy Word ; -work
a lively faith in them; and so bring them home, blessed
Lopil, to Thy flock, that they may be saved among the
remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold
under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One God,
world without end. Amen.

BLESSED Lord, whose only Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just
for the unjust, that He might bring us to Thee our
God : We beseech Thee, that as we are baptized into
His death, so by continually mortifying our corrupt
affections we may be biiried with Him ; and at last
through the grave, and gate of death, pass to our joy-
ful resurrection : For His* merits, who died, and was
buried, and rose again. Thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who by the resurrection of Thine
Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, hast overcome
death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life :
We humbly beseech Thee, that as by Thy special grace
preventing us. Thou dost put into our minds good de-

328 TheCollects.

sires, so by Thy continual help we may stedfastly set
our hearts upon those things which are above : that
when Christ, who is our Life, shall appear, we may
also appear with Him in glory, where He now liveth
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One
God, world without end. Amen. ' ^ '

ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given Thine only Son
to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justi-
fication : Increase and strengthen our faith in Thee,
and in Thy Son whom Thou hast sent ; that so be-
lieving in Him, we may overcome the world, and at-
tain unto eternal life : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A LMIGHTY God, who hast given Thine only Son
-TL to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an
example of godly life : Give us grace that we may
always most thankfully receive that His most inesti-
mable benefit ; and also daily endeavour to follow the
blessed steps of His most holy life : that dying unto
sin, and living unto righteousness, we may at last ob-
tain eternal life : Through the same Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that be in
error the light of Thy truth, to the intent that

The Collects. a29

the J may return into the way of righteousness : Grant
unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of
Christ's religion, that as strangers and pilgrims they
may abstain from fleshly lusts, and follow all such
things as are agreeable to their holy profession;
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the
unruly wills and affections of sinful men : Gf'ant
unto us Thy people, that we may love the j;hings which
Thou commandest, and desire that which Thou dost
promise; that so, among the sundry aud manifold
changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be
fixed, where true joys are to be found : Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ^

ALMIGHTY God, who hast blessed the earth, that
it should be fruitful, and bring forth every
thing that is necessary for the life of man, and hast
commanded us to work with quietness, and eat our
own bread : Bless us in all our labours, and grant us
such seasonable weather that we may gather ir^ the
fruits of the earth, and ever rejoice in Thy goodness,
to the praise of Thy holy Name : Through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

GOD, the King of Glory, who hast exalted Thy
Son Jesus Christ with great triumph into the

330 The^Collects.

kingdom of heaven : Grant, we beseech Thee, that we
ma J also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with
Him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth, with
Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without
end. Amen.

OGOD, the King of Glory, who hast exalted Thine
only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto
Thy Kingdom in heaven, and yet didst not leave
Thine Apostles comfortless : "Vouchsafe, we beseech
T'hee, to give us Thy Holy Spirit to guide and com-
fort us ; that, being sober, and watching unto prayer,
and above all things having fervent charity among
ourselves, we may be exalted into the same place
whither our Saviour Christ is gone before : Who
liveth and reigneth, with Thee and the Holy Ghost,
One God, world without end. Amen. ,

0 ETERNAL God, who, according to Thy faithful
promise, didst send the Holy Ghost on the day
of Pentecost : Grant us by the same Spirit to have
a right judgment in all things, and evermore to re-
joice in His holy comfort : Through the merits of
Christ Je^us our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, world
without end. Amen.

The Collects. 331

HOLY, holj, holy, Lord God Almighty ! Thou art
worthy to receive glory, and honour, and power :
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure
they are and were created. Blessed be Thy Divine
Majesty, who hast given us Thy servants grace, by
the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory
of the eternal Trinity, and to worship one God,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. "We beseech Thee
that Thou wouldst keep us stedfast in this faith, and
in holiness of life ; and give us grace to walk worthy
of Thee : Who livest and reignest ever one God,
world without end. Amen.

OGOD, the strength of all them that put their
trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers ;
and because through the weakness of our mortal na-
ture we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us
the help of Thy grace : that we, stedfastly believing
in Thy Son Jesus Christ, and loving one another as
He hath given us commandment, may please Thee
both in will and deed : through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. ^

OLORD, who never failest to help and govern
those whom Thou dost bring up in Thy stedfast
fear and love : Keep us, we beseech Thee, under the
protection of Thy good providence, and make us to

332 The Collects.

have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD of all grace, v^ho hast called us into Thine
eternal glory by Christ Jesus: We beseech
Thee mercifully to hear the prayers, which with
hearty desires we make unto Thee ; and grant that
we, being clothed with humility, and casting all our
care on Thee, may be sober and vigilant, and continu-
ing stedfast in the faith, may resist all the temptations
of the devil, and at length obtain the crown of life ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OCrGD, who hast taught us that the sufferings of
this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory that shall be revealed in us : Increase
and multiply upon us Thy mercy ; that Thou being
pur ruler and guide, we may so pass through things
temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal.
Grant this, G Heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

OLGRD, whose eyes are over the righteous, and
Thine ears open to their prayers : We most
humbly beseech Thee to make us all of one mind, hav-
ing compassion one of another, loving as brethren,
being pitiful and courteous, eschewing all evil in word

The Collects. 333

and deed, and doing good, seeking peace with all men ;
so that we may attain that peace which passeth all
understanding ; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOD, who hast prepared for them that love Thee
such good things as pass man's understanding :
Pour into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we,
loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy
promises, which exceed all that we can desire ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LORD of all power and might, who art the Author
and Giver of all good things : Graft in our hearts
the love of Thy Name ; increase in us true religion ;
nourish us with all goodness ; and of Thy great mercy
keep us in the same ; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

MOST Gracious God, who hast given us the spirit
of adoption, whereby we call Thee our Father :
Grant that we, mortifying the deeds of the body, and
being led by Thy Holy Spirit, may live as becomes
Thy children, and joint heirs with Christ ; and finally
be glorified together with Him :- Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God,
world without end. Amen.

334 The Collects.

OGOD, who hast in Thy Holy Word set before us
Thy righteous judgments upon Thine ancient
people the Jews, for our admonition and example:
Preserve us by Thy grace from all those sins by which
they provoked Thy wrath against them ; and never
suffer us to be tempted above what we are able, but
make a way for us to escape the temptation, or enable
us to bear it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

OGrOD, who wast pleased to bestow grea,t diversity
of spiritual gifts for the first planting of Thy
Church : We beseech Thee still to pour out such a
^measure of Thy Holy Spirit upon every member of the
same, as may be for the profit and edification of the
whole Body, united together in love by one and the
same Spirit : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, who hast brought life and immortality to
light by the Gospel, and hast begotten us again to
a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead : Make us stedfast and immoveable in this
faith, always abounding in the work of the Lord : Who
died for our sins, and rose again, and now liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God,
world without end. Amen.

*•

'' The Collects. 335

OMOST Merciful Father, who bjthe glorious min-
istration of the Spirit hast given us a clear reve-
lation of Thj will in the Gospel of Thj Son : We be-
seech Thee to enlighten our minds, that we may rightly
understand it and duly value it, and frame our lives
according to it, to Thine honour and glory : Through
Jesas Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 ETERNAL Ood, who hast called all nations to be
one by faith in Christ Jesus : Grant that we who
are baptized into Him may so faithfully serve Thee in
this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly
promises : Through the merits of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen. . . '

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, we beseech Thee,
enable us more and more to mortify the flesh,
with the affections and lusts thereof, and to bring forth
the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, long-suffer-
ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ;
that we, loving what Thou dost command, may obtain
that which Thou dost promise : Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

A1M1GB.TY God, who having made Thy Son Jesus
Christ perfect through suffering, hast called us
to be His disciples and followers : Endue us, we be-

336 The Collects.

seech Thee, with the same Spirit which was in Him;
that we, being crucified to the world, may patiently
bear the cross ; and being renewed in our natures in
righteousness and true holiness, and walking according
to this rule, peace and mercy may be upon us :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, the Father of all, who art above all, through
all, and in us all : Grant, we pray Thee, that
Thy grace may always prevent and follow us, that we
may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are
called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suf-
fering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to
keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace :
that, being continually given to all good works, we
may finally attain everlasting joy and felicity : Through
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

OLORD, who hast enriched us with the knowledge
of Thy holy Gospel : Grant us grace, we beseech
Thee, so to wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ to judge the world in righteousness, that we may
withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and
the devil, and with such pure hearts follow Thee the
only true God, that we may l)e confirmed unto the
end, and be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.

The Collects. 337

OGOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able
to please Thee : Mercifully grant, that Thy Holy-
Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, and
renew us in the spirit of our mind : that putting away
all bitterness and wrath, anger and malice, and every
other evil affection, and being kind one to another,
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as Thou, 0
God, for Christ's sake hast forgiven us, we may com-
fortably look with an assured hope for the day of re-
demption from all evils, unto eternal life : Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 MERCIFUL God, who according to Thy divine
power hast given us all things pertaining to life
and godliness : Make us strong in the Lord, in the
power of His might : that putting on the whole armour
of God, we may be able to resist all the temptations
of the devil, praying to Thee always with fervent
prayer, and watching thereunto with all perseverance :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OGOD, who hast set before us many and great ex-
amples of a holy and heavenly life : Assist us
by Thy grace to be followers of them, as they were of
Christ ; that we may not mind earthly things, but
having our conversation in heaven, may look for the

Saviour our Lord Jesus Christ, to change our vile

338 The Collects.

bodies, and fashion them like unto His glorious Body,
in which He liveth and reigneth with Thee and the
Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end.
Amen.

0 ETERNAL God, who art faithful and true, and
according to Thy gracious promises hast raised
up a glorious Deliverer to us, who is the Lord our
Righteousness : We beseech Thee to stir up the wills
of Thy faithful people ; that, bringing forth plenteously
the fruit of good works, they may be a people prepared
for the Lord. And we pray Thee, hasten His king-
dom, when He shall reign, and prosper, and execute
judgment and justice in all the earth. Grant this for
Thine infinite mercies' sake in Jesus Christ : To
Whom, with Thee, 0 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be
praise eternal. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who didst give such grace unto
Thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily
obeyed the calling of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and fol-
lowed Him without delay : grant unto us all, that we,
being called by Thy holy Word, may forthwith give
up ourselves obediently to fulfil Thy holy command-
ments, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

"^The Collects. 339

ALMIGHTY and ever liviDg God, who, for the
greater confirmation of the faith, didst suffer
Thy holj Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in Thy Son's
resurrection : Grant us so perfectly, and without any
doubt, to believe in Thy Son Jesus Christ, that our
faith in Thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us,
0 Lord, through the same Jesus Christ ; to Whom,
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and
glory, now and for evermore. Amen.

OGOD, who through the preaching of the blessed
Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the
Gospel to shine throughout the world : Grant, we be-
seech Thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion
in remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness
unto Thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine
which he taught, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

ALMIGHTY and ever living God, we humbly be-
seech Thy Majesty, that as Thine Only-begotten
Son was presented in the Temple in substance of our
flesh, so we may be presented unto Thee with pure
and clean hearts, by the same Thy Son Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who into the place of the
traitor Judas, didst choose Thy faithful servant

340 The Collects.

Matthias, to be of the number of the twelve Apostles :
Grant that Thj Church, being always preserved from
false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful
and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

VE beseech Thee, 0 Lord, pour Thy grace into
our hearts ; that as we have known the incar-
nation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an
angel, so by His cross and passion we may be brought
unto the glory of His resurrection, through the same
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed Thy holy
Church with the heavenly doctrine of Thine
Evangelist Mark : give us grace, that being not like
children carried away with every blast of vain doc-
trine, we may be established in the truth of Thy holy
Gospel, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is ever-
lasting life : Grant us perfectly to know Thy Son
Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life ;
that following the steps- of Thy holy Apostles, Philip
and James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that
leadeth to eternal life, through the same Thy Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collects. 341

OLORD God Almighty, who didst endue Thy
holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the
Holy Ghost : leave us not, we beseech Thee, destitute
of Thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them
alway to Thine honour and glory, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence Thy servant
John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to
prepare the way of Thy Son our Saviour, by preach-
ing repentance : make us so ' to follow his doctrine
and holy life, that we may truly repent according to
his preaching ; and after his example constantly
speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently
suffer for the truth's sake, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who, by Thy Son Jesus Christ,
didst give to Thine Apostle Saint Peter many
excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed^
Thy flock : make, we beseech Thee, all Bishops and
Pastors diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the
people diligently to follow the same, that they may re-
ceive the crown of everlasting glory : Through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

342 The Collects.

GRANT, 0 Merciful God, that as Thy holy Apostle
James, leaving his father and all that he had,
without delay was obedient unto the calling of Thy
Son Jesus Christ, and followed Him : so we, forsaking
all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore
ready to follow Thy holy commandments as he did, and
with him to lay down our lives for the testimony of
Thy Truth : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who didst give
to Bartholomew and the other Apostles grace
truly to believe and to preach Thy "Word, and power
to confirm it with many signs and wonders : Grant, we
beseech Thee, unto Thy Church, to love that Word
which they believed ; and both to preach and receive
the same : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who by Thy blessed Son didst
call Matthew from the receipt of custom, to be an
Apostle and Evangelist : Grant us grace to forsake all
covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches ; and to
follow the same Thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God,
world without end. Amen.

EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and
constituted the services of Angels and men in a

The Collects. 343

wonderful order : Mercifullj.grant, that as Thy holy
Angels al way do Thee service in heaven, so by Thine
appointment they may succour and defend us on earth :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who didst inspire Luke the
Evangelist to write in order the Gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ : Grant that we, being instructed
in the certainty thereof, may most surely believe it,
and conform ourselves to the holy precepts and exam-
ples of our blessed Lord and Saviour, who liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God,
world without end. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who hast built Thy Church
upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the head Corner-stone :
Grant us to be so joined together in unity of spirit by
their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple
acceptable unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

0 ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together Thine
elect in one communion and fellowship, in the
mystical Body of Thy Son Christ our Lord : Grant us
grace so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all virtuous
and godly living, that we may come to those unspeak-

344 The Collects.

able joys which Thou hast prepared for those that un-
feigned! j love Thee : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

ASSIST us mercifully, 0 Lord, in these our sup-
plications and prayers ; and dispose the way of
Thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting
salvation : that among all the changes and chances of
this mortal life, they may ever be defended by Thy
most gracious and ready help : Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the
words which we have heard this day with our
outward ears, may, through Thy grace, be so grafted
inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in
us the fruit of good living ; to the honour and praise
of Thy Name : Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

DIRECT us, 0 Lord, in all our doings, with Thy
most gracious favour, and further us with Thy
continual help : that in all our works begun, continued,
and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name ;
and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life :
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collects. 345

ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, who
knowest our necessities before we ask, and our
ignorance in asking : We beseech Thee to have com-
passion upon our infirmities ; and those things which
for our unwortbiness we dare not, and for our blindness
we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness
of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to hear the
petitions of those that ask in Thy Son's Name :
We beseech Thee mercifully to incline Thine ear to
us who have now made our prayers and supplications
unto Thee ; and grant that those things which we have
faithfully asked according to Thy will, may effectually
be obtained ; to the relief of our necessity, and to the
setting forth of Thy glory : Through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

OGOD, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the Faithful,
visit, we pray Thee, this congregation with Thy
love and favour ; enlighten their minds more and
more with the light of the everlasting Gospel ; graft
in their hearts a love of the truth ; increase in them
true religion ; nourish them with all goodness ; and
of Thy great mercy keep them in the same, 0 blessed
Spirit : Whom, with the Father and the Son together,*
15*

346 The Collects.

we worship and glorify as Ono God, world without
end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast built Thy Church
upon the foundation of the Apostles and Proph-
ets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner-stone :
Grant that, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, all
Christians may be so joined together in unity of spirit,
and in the bond of peace, that they may be an holy
temple acceptable unto Thee. And especially to this
congregation present give the abundance of Thy grace ;
that with one heart they may desire the prosperity of
Thy holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth may
profess the faith once delivered to the Saints. De-
fend them from the sins of heresy and schism ; let
not the foot of pride come nigh to hurt them, nor the
hand of the ungodly to cast them down. And grant
that the course of this world may be so peaceably or-
dered by Thy governance, that Thy Church may joy-
fully serve Thee in all godly quietness : that so they
may walk in th« ways of truth and peace, and at last
be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting:
Through Thy merits, 0 blessed Jesus, Thou gracious
Bishop and Shepherd of our souls. Who art, with the
Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without
end. Amen.

The Collects. 347

GRANT, we beseech Thee, Merciful Lord, to Thy
faithful people, pardon and peace; that they
may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve Thee
with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

OGOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all
things both in heaven and earth : we humbly
beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things,
and to give us those things which are profitable for us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always ,
more ready to hear than we to pray, and art
wont to give more than either we desire or deserve :
pour down upon us the abundance of Thy mercy, for-
giving us those things whereof our conscience is. afraid,
and giving us those good things which we are not wor-
thy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of
Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen.

OLORD, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity
cleanse and defend Thy Church; and because
it cannot continue in safety without Thy succour,
preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

348 TheCollects.

LORD, we pray Thee, that Thy grace may always
prevent and follow us ; and make us continually
to be given to all good works, through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.

•■-•

LORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy household the
Church in continual godliness ; that, through
Thy protection, it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly given to serve Thee in good works, to
the glory of Thy Name, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

OGOD, our refuge and strength, who art the
author of all godliness : be ready, we beseech
Thee, to hear the devout prayers of Thy Church ; and
grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we
may obtain effectually, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

ALMIGrHTY God, who hast given us grace at this
time with one accord to make our common sup-
plications unto Thee ; and dost promise that when two
or three are gathered together in Thy Name, Thou
wilt grant their requests : Fulfil now, 0 Lord, the de-
sires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most
expedient for them ; granting us in this world knowl-
edge of Thy Truth, and in the world to come life ever-
lasting. Amen.

APPENDIX.

NOTE, INTRODUCTION, Page xviL

As it is of some consequence to show that Knox's Liturgy held
its place in the esteem of the Church down to the time of adopting
the "Westminster Directory, we give a few of the parallel passages
referred to in the text, indicating the frequent and special use that
was made of that Liturgy in the Assembly's production.

From the Thanksgiving after Baptism :

Knox's Litubgy.

. . . We give Thee most humble
thanks for Thine infinite goodness,
■which hast 7}ot only numbered us
amongst Thy saints, but also of Thy
free mercy dost call our children unto
Thee, marking them with this Sacra-
ment, as a singular token and seal
of Thy love. . . .

. . . That Thou wilt confirm this
Thy favour more omoL more towards
us, and take this infant into TJvy
twition and defence. . . .

DlEECTORY.

. . . Acknowledging with all thank-
fulness . . . that He is good and gra-
cious, Tiot only that He nvmbereth us
among If is saints, but is pleased also
to bestow upon our children this sin-
gular token and badge of His love
in Christ. . . .

. . . and daily confirm more and
more this His unspeakable famour :
that He would receive the infant now
baptized . . . into His fatherly tuition
and defence. ...

From the Exhortation at the Lord's Supper :

... I separate from this Table all
blasphemers, etc. . . . charging them
. . . that they presume not to profane
this most holy Table.

. . . Neither yet is this pronounced
against such as aspire to a greater
perfection than they can in this pre'
sent life attain.

... He is in the name of Christ . . .
to warn all such . . . that they pre-
su7ne not to come to that holy Table.

. . . Invite all that desire to reach
out ymto a greater progress in grace
than they can yet attain unto. . . .

350 Appendix.

From the Consecratmg Prayer :

Knox's Litttegt. Dibectoey.

. . . From the bondage whereof . . . From which neither mem or

neither man nor angel was able to angel was able to deliver tis. . . .
make us free. . . .

... To declare and witness before ... To profess that there la none

the world, that by Him alone we ha/ve other name under heaven by which

recevoed liberty and life ; . . . that we can be saved, but the name of

by Him alone we have entrance to Jesus Christ ; by whom alone we re-

the throne of Thy grace; that by ceive liberty and life, have access to

Sim alone we are possessed in our the throne of grace, are admitted to

spiritual kingdom, to eat cmd drink eat and drink at His own Table,

at His Table, etc etc.

THE TABLE OF PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE.

The orderly reading of Scripture in the public services of the
Sanctuary, has always been enjoined and pract'Ised among the Re-
formed Churches. Not only one portion or chapter from each Tes-
tament, as prescribed by the "Westminster Directory of "Worship,
but generally several chapters, are appointed in the French, Swiss,
and "Waldensian Churches, for the ordinary service of the Lord's
Day. These lessons are read, not by the officiating ministers, but
by a clerk, immediately before the commencement of the public
prayers ; and the reading is always concluded with the Ten Com-
mandments. The early editions of the Scottish Liturgy, or Book
of Common Order, contain this direction : " Upon the days ap-
pointed for the preaching of the Word, when a convenient number
of the Congregation have come together, that they may make fruit
of their presence till the assembly be full, one, appointed by the El-
dership, shall read some chapters of the Canonical Books of Scrip-
ture, singing Psalms between at his discretion : and this reading to
be in order, as the books and chapters follow, that so from time to
time the Holy Scriptures may be read through. But upon special
occasion, special chapters may be appointed." The same provision,
in words very similar, was made a century later by the Divines of
Westminster : who, however, judiciously transferred this part of
divine worship to a more central location in the service. In the
selection of portions of Scripture here given, it is not contemplated

Appendix. 351

that any should strictly confine themselves to a consecutive course
of reading, as it will frequently appear advisable to select passages
more suitable to the time or theme of discourse. But, on ordinary
occasions, this, or some similar order, will be found convenient and
profitable.

THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAT.

Morning Service. The first of the Opening Sentences consti-
tutes the invariable exordium of all the Reformed liturgies. Other
sentences have been added, with a view to variety.

The Invitation, which is here put in Scriptural words, reads in
the Calvinistic formularies, thus : " Brethren, let each of you present
himself lefore the Lord, to make an humble confession of his sins,
following in heart these words. ''^

The Confession of Sin, composed by Calvin, occupies this place
in all the Reformed liturgies, and the variations are but slight and
merely verbal.

The Declaration of Forgiveness, in the form of a recital of Gos-
pel assurances of pardon to the penitent, was used by the early
Reformed churches in France and elsewhere, at the express recom-
mendation of Calvin; who, however, for reasons thus stated by
him, did not introduce this feature into the liturgy of Geneva.
"There is none of us," says he, "but must acknowledge it to be
very useful that, after the general confession, some striking prom-
ise of Scripture should follow, whereby sinners might be raised to
hopes of pardon and reconciliation. And I would have introduced
this custom from the beginning; but some fearing that the novelty
of it would give ofience, I was over easy in yielding to them."
The custom was, however, adopted in the church of Strasburg,
from whose liturgy, prepared under Calvin's auspices, it was imi-
tated, together with the preceding Sentences, Invitation, and Con-
fession, by the compilers of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

The Supplication is Calvin's Prayer before Sermon; and the
Thanksgiving which follows it, is by Knox. With this latter ex-
ception, all the forms of this Morning Service are from the liturgy
of the Genevan Reformer.

352 Appendix. '-

Other Forms, for the Morning Service. The Beatitudes, and
the Summary of our Lord's Precepts, are here given as appropriate
for occasional use instead of the Decalogue. The succeeding forms
for the Confession of Sin, are those of Baxter, Knox, and Bucer.
Of the forms of Thanksgiving, the first is from Baxter, the second
from the American revision of the Directory of Worship (a. d.
11 SI), and the thu-d from the Liturgy of the Waldensian Church.
The forms of Intercession are those of Knox, Baxter, and the Liturgy
of Neuchatel (prepared by the Reformed theologian Ostervald).

Evening Service. The Presbyterian formularies of worship
impose no special order for the second service on the Lord's Day.
That service was originally devoted to the catechetical instruction.
of the young ; and the Minister in conducting it was left to entire
freedom of selection or composition. The prayers here furnished
are taken from the various Reformed liturgies. The Invocation ia
Calvin's. The Litany, though modelled upon the ancient litanies,
was prepared, as it here stands, by the Reformer Bucer, from whose
" Reformation of Doctrine and "Worship" it is translated. From this
form the Litany of the English Prayer-Book is mainly borrowed.
The Closing Prayer is by Knox.

Other Forms, for the Evening Service. Baxter is the author
of both the alternate forms of Invocation here given. It is from
the Reformed liturgy prepared by that divine, that the several
prayers attributed to him in this volume are taken. The General
Prayers which follow, are respectively by Knox and Calvin ; the
first and fourth b^ the former, the second and third by the lat-
ter. Of the Closing Prayers, one is from Knox's Liturgy, another
from the Waldensian, and a third from the Reformed Dutch
liturgy.

THE MANNER OF CELEBRATING THE LORD'S SUPPER.

This form of service, established by Calvin, is substantially the
same with that used at the present day in all the continental
branches of the Reformed Church. The Consecrating Prayer is
taken from the present Liturgy of Geneva. The directions for the
administration are quoted from the Directory of Worship of the
Presbyterian Church. The sentences of Scripture to be repeated

Appendix. t»^ 353

during the participation, are such as it is customary to pronounce
on that occasion, in the French and Swiss Churches.

Of the other forms for this Celebration, the first is from Knox's
liturgy, the second from Baxter's, and the third from the liturgy
of the Reformed Dutch Church.

THE FORM OF ADMIXISTERIKG BAPTISM.

This is Calvin's formulary, completed by the insertion of the
questions and covenant engagements required by the Directory of
"Worship ; and by the addition of the closing Thanksgiving, which
was composed by Knox.

The other forms of administering this Ordinance, are Knox's,
Baxter's, and that of the Reformed Dutch Church. From the last
source is also taken the succeeding Form of Baptizing Adult
Persons.

The Form of Admitting Baptized Persons to the Lord's Table, is
from the Waldensian Liturgy ; the Preface being added from Is. xliv.
The Benediction, as here given, occurs in the Neuchatel service for
the same occasion. It forms part of the ordinary form of blessing
appointed in the Book of Common Prayer ; but is original with Bu-
cer, in his " Reformation," etc.

The Reformed Churches recognize no mode of admission to church
membership, other than by the administration of baptism. In the
case of adults who have received that rite in infancy, the confirma-
tion of their baptismal vows is ordinarily performed in public before
the congregation.

OCCASIONAL OFFICES.

Order of Service for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and
Prayer. The directions as to this service are quoted, as in all other
instances so marked, from the Directory of Worship of the Presby-
terian Church, The selection of Scripture forming the Preface, is
taken from the French and Genevan Liturgies. The passages indi-
cated for the First and Second Readings, are those given in the
Waldensian Liturgy for the same occasion. A selection somewhat

354 Appendix.

similar occurs in John Knox's service. The Opening Prayer is
abridged from Knox's " Treatise of Easting," drawn up at the re-
quest of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1565,
and published with authority. This Treatise, which contains forms
for the observance of a special season of humihation throughout the
land, was in the Assembly of 1569 ratified for all future appoint-
ments of a similar nature ; and ministers were enjoined " To use the
Exercise accustomed in the Kirk of the first institution. Moreover,
that all Superintendents and Commissioners of provinces shall here-
after institute and use the same Order of Easting, as oft as just oc-
casion shall serve and shall seem meet by their godly wisdom,
without any farther appointment by the G-eneral Assembly."*

The beautiful form of a General Prayer here introduced, was com-
posed by Calvin for the Church of Geneva, in the year 1541 ; " when
Germany was infested both with war and pestilence." '^ Frceca-
iiones quibus in Us uterentur, conscripsi^ — Calv. Ejp. Perhaps no
part of the Calvinistic ritual has obtained a wider currency. Knox
transferred it to tlie Book of Common Order. The Puritan Prayer-
Book published at London about the year 1570, appoints it to be
used on a day set apart for Common Prayer. The Middleburgh
Liturgy of 1602 presents the same form unaltered. Archbishop
Grindal adopted it as a form of Prayer and Easting for the Church
of England in 1563. The several Erench and Swiss formularies
contain it under its appropriate head ; and the Reformed Dutch lit-
urgy, by a strange misplacement, has it as a " Prayer on the Lord's
Day after sermon." "We have adopted Grindal's translation, sup-
plying from the original a few omissions.

Order of Service for a Day of Thanksgiving. The prayer
here given is extracted from the American edition of the Liturgy of
Neuchatel, as adopted in the Huguenot Church at Charleston, S. C.

THE OEEICE EOR THE CONFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE.

This form, chiefly compiled from tRe ancient Reformed offices, is
that prepared by the Rev. Dr. Bethune, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for
the revised liturgy of the Reformed Dutch Church.

* Book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland: Edinburgh, 1839, p. 116.

Appendix. 355

THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.

The early practice of the Church of Scotland, with respect to the
Burial of the Dead, has been variously stated. The impression
seems to prevail, that all external ceremonies were positively for-
bidden after the Reformation, whether at the church before burial,
or at the grave. In fact, the First Book of Discipline, a. d. 1560,
declares, " We think it most expedient that the dead be conveyed
to the place of burial with some honest company of the Kirk,
without either singing or reading ; yea, without any kind of cere-
mony heretofore used, other than that the dead be committed to
the grave with such gravity and sobriety, as those that be present
may seem to fear the judgment of God, and to hate sin, which is
the cause of death."*

But the Book of Common Order, already pubhshed four years
earlier, and then in force, as it continued to be for a century later,
had, on the contrary, prescribed, that after the burial, " The Minis-
ter, if he be present and required, goeth to the church, if it be not
far off, and maketh some comfortable exhortation to the people
touching death and resurrection, "f

Among the papers published by the "Wodrow Society, in the first
volume of their Miscellany, is " The Form and Manner of Burial
used in the Kirk of Montrose." This interesting document was
found written on the fly-leaves of a manuscript copy of the Regiam
Majestatem, which had been transcribed by John Bannatyne, in
1620. The form of burial is without date ; but from the mention
of " Minister or i?ea(Zer," it was evidently in use before the year
1581, when the office of Reader was superseded by act of General
Assembly.

This order of service is very simple. It is prefaced thus : *' The
body being reverently brought to the grave, accompanied with the
congregation, the Minister or Reader shall say as follows.":}: Then
a long address, beginning, " Dearly 'beloved, when we look upon
this dead corpse here present, with consideration that the like sen-
tence of death is pronounced of God upon all flesh, it ought and
should imprint in our minds the knowledge of our sinfulness : for,
if we were without sin, death should have no power over us." The

♦ Dunlop's Collection of Confessions, vol. ii. p. 597.

t Id., vol ii. p. 468. 4^ "We have modernized tlie spelling.

356 Appendix. *

exhortation is closed with a prayer, introduced in these words*
" This being done, the Minister shall pray in effect as follows."
The prayer is almost identical with that of the English Burial Ser-
vice, introduced at the time of the revision in 1552, and beginning,
"Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart
from this life in the faith of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ," etc.

This ancient service closes with a remarkable Funeral Hymn ;
one of those spuitual songs which are attributed to John Wedder-
burn of Dundee and his brothers, and which are said to have great-
ly assisted in advancing the Reformation. It begins —

" Our brother late we put in grave,
And no doubt thereof bat* we have ;
But he shall rise at Doomesday,
And shall immortal live for aye."f

' The Liturgies of the Reformed Churches on the Continent, sup-
ply us with few examples of a service for Burial. The danger of
superstitious observances, at the period when those formularies
were compiled, deterred Calvin and others from furnishing any
prescribed order. It has always been customary to consecrate the
last offices at the grave with prayer : but for even this, the French
liturgy gives no form.

Martin Bucer was the author of a service for the Burial of the
Dead, which is to be found in Herman's Reformation of Cologne.
This service the English Reformers partly followed. The selections
of Scripture, from St. John xi,, Psalm xc, and 1 Cor. xv., are there
indicated. But Bucer's form possesses a merit of adaptation which
is wanting to that of the Anglican Church ; for, in addition to the
services for adults, there is an " Alia Goncio in Funere Adolescentis,
vel AdolescentulcBy The Anglican words of sepulture are taken
from Bucer's " Postquam sic visum est Omnipotenti Deo, ut hunc
fratrem nostrum pro su4 misericordi^ ex hoc mundo sublatum ad
se reciperet," etc.

The present Form of Burial is borrowed from the revision of the
Reformed Dutch liturgy, prepared by a committee under appoint-
ment of the General Synod. The selection of Scripture is the best
that we have seen. Three services are provided for : a short one

* Grief. (?)

t Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, Edinburgh, 1844, vol. i. pp. 291-SOO.

Appendix. 357

at the house, a principal one at the church, and a form of inter-
ment. The several portions of Scripture provided, are appropriate
to various ages and circumstances. The prayer concluding the
service at the church, is from Jeremy Taylor ; it has been intro-
duced into the American edition of the Book of Common Prayer.

PUBLIC DISCIPLINE, ORDINATION, ETC.

The Forms of Public Discipline. The manner of proceeding
with persons subject to ecclesiastical discipline is here detailed, as
prescribed by the Directory of Worship; and the form of public
excommunication is quoted from the same authority. The address
is from Knox's Book of Common Order, and the prayers from the
Reformed Dutch liturgy.

The Forms of Ordination are compiled from the Directory and
the Reformed Dutch liturgy ; with the exception of the Ordaining
Prayer, page 242, extracted from " The Form and Order of the
Election of the Superintendent ; which may serve in Electing of all
other Ministers ; at Edinburg, the 9th of March, 1569: John Knox
being Moderator."

SCRIPTURAL AND OTHER OCCASIONAL PRAYERS.

Scriptural Prayers. Nothmg can be more commendable than
the use of Scripture language in prayer ; but that use should be
reverent and judicious. The violent disseverance of passages of
Holy Writ from their proper connection ; their forced application
to irrelevant topics ; the confusion of Oriental metaphors and
poetic allusions : are defects too obvious for indication, yet apparent
to a very wide extent in the " unwritten liturgy" of our pulpits.
The language of the New Testament is in general much more suited
to appropriation for the purposes of public devotion, than that of the
poetic portions of the Old. In those passages of the Epistles, more
particularly, where the inspired writer expresses with distinctness
the subject of his own supplications, we are furnished with ma-
terial that may very properly be restored, from the form of narra-
tive, to that of direct address, and so employed in our own devo-

358 Appendix.

tions. In fact, by a combination of such passages, along with
that divine prayer left us by our Lord, we possess an Inspired Lit-
urgy, conceived, " not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth:" a liturgy incomparably com-
plete and beautiful. It is, therefore, just matter of surprise, that such
a use of Scripture petitions, in their natural sequence and designed
application, should not have been recommended, in preference to
an artificial " method of prayer" which has the sanction of such high
names as Henry and Doddridge, and which consists in the agglom-
eration of a vast number of distinct jjassages, brought into strange
juxtaposition, in utter disregard of all the unities, and in utter vio-
lation of all rules of taste.

The Scriptural Prayers here given are chiefly from those pas-
sages in the Apostolic writings, where an address to the Throne of
Grace is expressed ; the only change being in substituting, as the
object addressed, the second person for the third. The exceptions
are, the forms of Confession, taken from the penitential Psalms, and
from the prayer of Daniel ; and the forms of Adoration, being con-
structed of passages that occur in Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles, and the
Revelations.

A Comprehensive Prater, chiefly in the words of Scripture.
This form of Adoration, Confession, Supplication, Thanksgiving,
and Intercession, is quoted in full from the Draught of the Direc-
tory of Worship of the Presbyterian Church in the United States,
prepared in the year 1787 by a committee under appointment of
the Synod. This Draught, though printed, and strongly recom-
mended for adoption, was not accepted. It was drawn up by the
Rev. Drs. John Rodgers, and Alexander Mac Whorter, and the
Rev. Messrs. Alexander Miller and James "Wilson ; and was ad-
vocated, among others, by the late venerable Ashbel Green, D.D.
While preserving the title of a Directory, this was, in fact, for sub-
stance and form, a discretionary liturgy, akin to those existing in
the Continental Churches.

Sundry Occasional Prayers. The Morning and Evening
Prayers are those of Calvin. These are succeeded by a short but
most beautiful prayer for all men, extracted from John Norden'g
"Progress of Piety," A. D. 1596. The prayer for Pardon and Help
is translated from a service-book of the Greek Church. Following

Appendix 359

are a number of prayers suited to various occasions, taken from the
proposed revision of the Reformed Dutch liturgy. The prayer
"to be used at Sea," has been prepared for this work by the Rev.
C. S. Stewart, U. S. N". Appended is the prayer for civil authorities,
from the Protestant Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.

The Collects are short prayers, adapted to particular occasions,
and designed to be introduced as may seem convenient, into the
public services of the Church. Many of these prayers are of very-
early origin ; some of them dating as far back as the year of our Lord
590, others still older, to the year 494 ; and a few have been traced
to the year 483. The Collects here given are taken from the
Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England, as revised
in 1689 by the Royal Commissioners appointed in the reign of
William and Mary. This revision was never completed, and in-
deed the results of it have but lately become public. Tillotson,
Patrick, Stillingfleet, Tenison, and other eminent divines of the
day, took a prominent part in the debates.

The Revised Liturgy of 1689, from which these Collects are
taken, was prepared with a view to the satisfaction of the non-
conformists, and the reconciling, as much as possible, of all differ-
ences between them and the Church of England. To this end, the
objections and demands which at various times had been offered by
opponents of the Prayer-Book, were collected, and made the basis
of a careful revision. It had been a special matter of complaint,
in reference to the Collects, that many of them were too brief^ and
not sufficiently scriptural, as to thought and expression. In these
respects, as in others, the Commissioners sought to amend the
various parts of the Liturgy ; and so liberal and judicious was the
course pursued by them, that the eminent nonconformist Calamy
gave it as his opinion,' that their scheme would have brought into
the Church of England two thirds of the Dissenters. The cer-
tainty, however, that these changes, though approved by the
Court, and by a majority of the bishops, would be rejected by the
lower house of Convocation, prevented an actual adoption of the
reforms contemplated by the Royal Commission ; and their work
remained under seal at Lambeth Palace, until, by order of the
House of Commons, in 1854, it was published.

360

Appendix.

These Ee vised Collects have, therefore, a definite claim upon our
regard, as prepared by some of the most pious and enlightened of
the English divines, in express agreement with the views and re-
quests of their nonconformist brethren. It would seem most fit-
ting, that, after more than a century and a hal^ these prayers
should be incorporated with a collection of the forms of worship
that are peculiar to the Presbyterian Churches.

TJHIVBJSIT

THE END.

14 DAY USE

MTUKN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED

LOAN DEPT.

Renewed books are subie« to^mmed|aterecall^

-rn«66^^

m\5^7^im

REC^D_LD

p^-dmi

1«|^^

:6&5^^all

__GA£2M\

m"^^

LD 2lA-60m-10 '65
(F7763sl0)476B

General Library .
University of California
Berkeley

•A, 33

Yri34992

/ 'o

iV<?.r TV

J^'*-

WML '

fnWfWP

pip»^2^ai

s^i^K^i^^^SB^^B^^^' ^

^^^Iqi^^^B^bVs!

^ajjKfSSMllBiWi

^#-^

-^^jffi^^^3Pii~/j

^ifetM^

JB9Pi<

"^ ^^'AflHIBm 1

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Texts

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "A Book of public prayer"

See other formats